Nearsightedness (Myopia)
What is nearsightedness?
Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is a type of refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry. This condition occurs when the eye's shape causes light to focus in front of the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer located at the back of the eye, rather than directly on it.
Discover more about refractive errors
If you are diagnosed with nearsightedness, your eye care professional can recommend eyeglasses or contact lenses to enhance your vision clarity.
What are the symptoms of nearsightedness?
The primary symptoms associated with nearsightedness include:
Difficulty seeing objects that are located far away
The need to squint in order to see more clearly
Eye fatigue (a sensation of tiredness or discomfort in the eyes)
While some individuals with nearsightedness may experience headaches, this symptom is less frequently reported.
In cases of mild nearsightedness, you might not experience any noticeable symptoms. This is why it is crucial to have regular eye examinations — to ensure that your vision is as sharp as possible.
Individuals with severe nearsightedness, often referred to as high myopia, may face an increased risk of developing other eye issues, such as retinal detachment, which occurs when the retina separates from its usual position.
Am I at risk for nearsightedness?
Anyone can develop nearsightedness, but your risk is elevated if you have relatives who also suffer from this condition.
Typically, nearsightedness begins to manifest between the ages of 6 and 14 and may progress until you reach your early twenties. Research indicates that children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to develop nearsightedness, although the reasons for this are not entirely understood.
What causes nearsightedness?
Nearsightedness arises when the eyeball grows excessively long from front to back, or when there are irregularities in the shape of the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) or the lens (the inner part of the eye that aids in focusing).
These irregularities result in light focusing in front of the retina instead of directly on it, leading to the blurriness of distant objects.
How will my doctor check for nearsightedness?
Eye care professionals can assess for nearsightedness during a thorough eye examination. This evaluation is straightforward and does not cause discomfort.
What's the treatment for nearsightedness?
The most prevalent treatments for nearsightedness include glasses or contact lenses. Your eye doctor will determine the appropriate lenses to ensure you see as clearly as possible.
Additionally, adults have the option of undergoing surgery to correct nearsightedness. This surgical procedure alters the shape of the cornea, allowing it to focus light more effectively.