Common vision condition
Myopia - Nearsightedness
Myopia usually makes distant objects look blurry, while close objects are clearer.
Myopia, often called nearsightedness or short-sightedness, happens when the eye focuses light in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
This can make distance vision blurry for things like road signs, whiteboards, television, sport, or recognising faces across a room.
Myopia - light focuses in front of the retinaClick image to view larger
What causes myopia?
Myopia is usually related to the shape and focusing power of the eye.
Eye length
The eye may be slightly longer than ideal, meaning light focuses in front of the retina rather than directly on it.
Cornea or lens power
The cornea or lens may focus light too strongly for the length of the eye.
Distance blur
Because the focus falls short of the retina, distant objects can look blurry while close objects are often clearer.
Myopia can change over time
Myopia often begins in childhood and may increase as the eyes grow. Regular eye exams help check whether the prescription is changing and whether eye health monitoring is needed.
Possible signs of myopia
Symptoms vary depending on age, prescription strength, and how much distance vision is affected.
Blurred distance vision
Road signs, whiteboards, subtitles, television, sport, or people at a distance may look blurry.
Squinting or moving closer
A child or adult with myopia may squint, sit closer to the television, move closer to the board, or hold things closer than expected.
Eyestrain or headaches
Some people notice tired eyes, headaches, or discomfort after trying to see distant detail clearly.
Click image to view larger
How the eye focuses light
For clear distance vision, light needs to focus accurately on the retina at the back of the eye.
In myopia, light focuses in front of the retina. This makes distance vision blurry unless the focus is corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or another suitable option.
Glasses or contact lenses can help by adjusting the focus so distance images fall more accurately on the retina while they are being worn.
Myopia in children
Children may not realise their distance vision is blurry. They may simply move closer, squint, avoid distance tasks, or have trouble seeing the board at school.
Because myopia can change as children grow, regular eye exams are important to check vision, prescription changes, eye coordination, and eye health.
Higher myopia and eye health
Higher levels of myopia can be associated with a greater risk of some eye health problems, so regular eye health checks are important.
Retina checks
People with higher myopia may need careful retinal checks because the retina can be more vulnerable to certain changes.
Flashes and floaters
New flashes, new floaters, a shadow or curtain in vision, or sudden vision loss should be assessed promptly.
Ongoing monitoring
Regular eye exams help monitor your prescription and eye health, especially if you have moderate or high myopia.
Seek urgent advice for sudden symptoms
Please phone us promptly if you notice sudden flashes, a sudden increase in floaters, a shadow or curtain in your vision, sudden vision loss, or new distortion.
These symptoms can have several causes, but they should not be ignored, especially if you are very short-sighted.
How myopia may be corrected
The best option depends on your prescription, age, eye health, lifestyle, and how you use your vision day to day.
Glasses
Glasses are a common way to correct distance blur from myopia. They may be worn full time or for specific tasks, depending on the prescription and symptoms.
Contact lenses
Contact lenses may be suitable for some people with myopia, depending on prescription, eye health, comfort, and lifestyle.
Other options
Some adults ask about refractive surgery. Suitability depends on prescription, corneal health, age, and specialist assessment.
Related vision conditions
Myopia can occur on its own or alongside other focusing conditions.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is caused by uneven focusing power and can cause blur or distortion at different distances.
Hyperopia
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is different from myopia. It can make close work harder and may also affect distance vision in some cases.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is the normal age-related change that makes near focusing harder, usually becoming noticeable from around the 40s.
Do all short-sighted people need glasses?
Not always for every task, but most people with myopia benefit from correction for distance vision. The need depends on the amount of myopia, symptoms, driving requirements, school, work, and daily tasks.
Can myopia get worse?
Yes, especially during childhood and teenage years while the eyes are growing. The rate of change varies between people.
Why can I read clearly but not see far away?
In myopia, close objects may focus more easily, while distant objects focus in front of the retina and look blurry.
Do lenses for myopia get thick?
Higher myopia prescriptions can create lenses that are thicker at the edges. Lens material, frame size, and frame shape can help manage thickness and appearance.
Concerned about nearsightedness?
You can book online, phone us, or call in and see us at Waipapa Eyecare.
For urgent eye problems, sudden vision changes, flashes, floaters, eye pain, or injury, please phone us rather than using online booking.