What is Myopia

Myopia is also called nearsightedness. This is when you can clearly see objects that are close to you, but you have trouble seeing objects that are far away.

This usually happens because the eye is longer than normal or because the clear front surface of the eye (cornea) is too curved and bends (refracts) light too much. This makes objects that are far away look blurry.

What are the causes?

This condition may be caused by having one or more of the following:

• An eye that is longer than normal.
• A cornea that is abnormally shaped.

Generally, the cause of these eye abnormalities is not known. In some cases, they may be passed from parent to child (inherited).

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to develop:

• In people who have parents with myopia.
• From consistently doing close visual work or using the eyes in ways that can stress them, such as:
  • Looking at a computer screen.
  • Reading or studying.

What are the signs or symptoms?

The main symptom of this condition is having difficulty seeing objects that are far away, such as movie screens or highway signs. Other symptoms may include:

• Headaches.
• Squinting.

Myopia often starts in childhood when the eye is growing. It often gets worse until age 20–25.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on your medical history and a physical exam. An eye specialist (optometrist or ophthalmologist) will test your vision. This will involve placing a series of lenses in front of your eye and having you read a chart.

How is this treated?

Treatment is focused on improving your vision. This may involve:

• Wearing glasses or contact lenses to help you see clearly.
• Refractive surgery, which changes the shape of your cornea.

Follow these instructions at home:

• If you are prescribed glasses or contact lenses, wear them as told by your health care provider. Keep in mind that it may take up to 2 weeks for your eyes to adjust to new prescription lenses.
• If your vision is blurry, do not drive or use heavy machinery. You may need to wear prescription glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision whenever you drive or use heavy machinery.
• Get an eye exam at least once a year.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your symptoms get worse.
• You develop new symptoms.

Get help right away if:

• Your vision suddenly gets blurry in one eye or both eyes.

Summary

• Myopia is a common condition that is usually treatable with corrective lenses such as glasses or contact lenses.
• Myopia may be caused by the eye being longer than normal or the cornea being abnormally shaped. This makes objects that are far away look blurry.
• If you are prescribed glasses or contact lenses, wear them as told by your health care provider.