Myopia: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
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Myopia (nearsightedness) is a common refractive error in which near objects are seen clearly while distant ones look blurry, because light focuses in front of the retina. It is corrected with glasses, contacts, or laser surgery, and is rising worldwide, especially among children.
What is Myopia?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is the most common refractive error, occurring when the eye is longer than normal or the cornea is too curved, so light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it. As a result, distant objects look blurry while near ones remain clear.
Myopia often begins in childhood and adolescence and may increase with growth until it stabilizes in the early twenties. Doctors have noted a marked rise in its prevalence worldwide, partly linked to more near work such as reading and screens and less time outdoors, in addition to the genetic factor.
Myopia is not a dangerous disease in most cases and can be easily corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or laser vision-correction surgery for suitable adults. However, high degrees of it may raise the risk of future retinal problems, so periodic eye examination — especially for children — is important for early detection, proper correction, and avoiding an impact on school performance.
Symptoms
- Blurry vision of distant objects.
- Needing to squint to see clearly.
- Headache and eye strain.
- Difficulty seeing the board in children.
Causes
- An eye axis longer than normal.
- An excessively curved cornea.
- Genetic factors and family history.
- Excess near work and little outdoor time (environmental factors).
Diagnosis
- Visual-acuity testing and refraction measurement.
- A full eye examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
Treatment
Vision correction
- Prescription glasses, the simplest and most common.
- Contact lenses.
Surgery
- Laser vision-correction surgery (such as LASIK) for suitable adults after the prescription stabilizes.
Managing progression in children
- Special drops or lenses and more outdoor time may slow progression.
This content is educational and does not replace consulting an eye doctor.
Complications
- Severe myopia may raise the future risk of retinal detachment and glaucoma.
- Eye strain and headache when uncorrected.
- Impact on school performance in undiagnosed children.
Prevention
- More outdoor time for children.
- Taking breaks from screens and near reading (the 20-20-20 rule).
- Periodic eye examinations, especially for children.
When to see a doctor
See an eye doctor for blurry distance vision, frequent headaches, or noticing that your child sits close to objects or squints. Go to the emergency department for flashes of light or a curtain in the field of vision (which may indicate retinal detachment). Book an appointment with an ophthalmologist on ClinicsJo.