Myopia
Learn about myopia, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for nearsightedness such as glasses, contacts, and vision correction procedures.
Overview
Myopia, also called nearsightedness, is a common refractive error that makes distant objects look blurry while near vision often remains clearer. It happens when the eye is slightly too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Myopia often begins during childhood or adolescence and may gradually worsen as the eyes continue to grow. In many cases, it can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or vision correction procedures recommended by an eye doctor.
Learn more about Myopia
Do I have Myopia ?
Myopia usually makes it harder to see far-away objects clearly and often begins during childhood or the teenage years.
Symptoms of Myopia
Symptoms can include, but are not limited to:
Blurred distance vision
Objects far away may look soft or out of focus, especially signs, screens, or the board at school.
Squinting and eye strain
You may squint or strain to see more clearly, especially when looking at distant objects.
Headaches or night-driving trouble
Myopia can contribute to headaches and make driving at night more difficult.
Treatment of Myopia
Treatments can include, but are not limited to:
Eyeglasses
Prescription glasses can help focus light correctly and make distance vision clearer.
Contact lenses
Contact lenses are a common option for correcting myopia and may provide a full field of clearer vision.
LASIK, PRK, RLE, or ICL
Some patients may be candidates for refractive procedures that reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses or contacts.
Whether you need a routine eye exam, upadet glasses or contacts, or help with an eye concert, our fiendly team is here to make the process easy.
- Personalized Care
- States-f-the-Art Equipment
- Experienced Optometrists
- Family-Friendly Environment
What causes Myopia?
Myopia is caused by the shape of the eye. Most often, the eye is longer than normal from front to back or the cornea is too curved. Because of that shape, incoming light focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it, which causes distant objects to appear blurry. Myopia often starts around school age, may continue progressing through childhood and early adulthood, and can run in families. In some cases, spending more time indoors and doing prolonged near work may also be associated with progression.
Getting a Diagnosis of Myopia
Myopia is typically diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. During your visit, your eye doctor will measure how light focuses in your eyes, determine the degree of nearsightedness you have, and recommend the treatment option that best fits your vision needs and lifestyle.
Common tests used to diagnose myopia include:
Visual Acuity Test
A visual acuity test measures how clearly you can see letters and objects at a distance. This helps your doctor understand how much your distance vision is being affected.
Refraction Test
A refraction test measures how light bends as it enters the eye and helps determine the lens prescription needed to sharpen your vision.
Comprehensive Eye Exam
A full eye exam allows your doctor to evaluate your overall eye health, confirm the diagnosis, and discuss whether glasses, contacts, or a refractive procedure may be appropriate.
Different types of Myopia
Myopia can range from mild to severe, and different forms may affect patients in different ways. Some people have a stable prescription, while others experience gradual progression over time.
- Progressive myopia often develops in childhood or adolescence and may continue to worsen as the eyes grow;
- High myopia is a more severe form of nearsightedness that usually requires a strong prescription and may be inherited;
- Pathological or degenerative myopia is a rare form in which severe myopia continues to progress and may increase the risk of other eye complications.
Factors Increasing Risk of Myopia
Myopia can affect anyone, but some people are more likely to develop it or see it progress over time. Genetics play an important role, and lifestyle patterns may also contribute in some patients.
Common risk factors for myopia include:
- Family history of nearsightedness
- Childhood or teenage onset
- A longer eye shape or more curved cornea
- Spending more time indoors
- Prolonged close work, such as reading or computer use
Questions about Myopia?
We’re here to make your visit feel simple, comfortable, and stress-free. Whether you have questions about nearsightedness, treatment options, or what to expect during your appointment, our team is happy to help. Reach out today and let us help you take the next step toward clearer, more comfortable vision.
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a refractive error that makes distant objects look blurry. It happens when the eye is too long, the cornea is too curved, or both, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
Common myopia symptoms include blurry distance vision, squinting, headaches, eye strain, and trouble driving at night. Children may also sit too close to screens, squint often, or rub their eyes frequently.
Yes, myopia can worsen over time, especially during childhood and adolescence as the eyes continue to grow. In many people it stabilizes by early adulthood, but some cases can continue to progress longer.
Myopia is often treated with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Some patients may also be candidates for LASIK, PRK, refractive lens exchange, or implantable contact lenses, depending on their prescription, age, and overall eye health.