Myopia (Short-sightedness)

Myopia is a common refractive error in which distant objects appear blurred while close-up vision is typically clearer.

Common symptoms

Blurred distance vision, squinting to see far away, eye strain, and headaches after prolonged distance viewing.

Description

Myopia, or short-sightedness, happens when the eye focuses light slightly in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This is usually because the eyeball is a little longer than average or the cornea is too steeply curved.

Myopia often starts in childhood and can progress through the teenage years before stabilising in adulthood. Higher levels of myopia are associated with an increased risk of other eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy.

Most myopia is corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Laser eye surgery is an option for some adults, and specialist myopia management techniques can help slow progression in children.