Myopia
What is myopia?
Most people call myopia short-sightedness. Short-sighted people do not see distant objects clearly. The eyes lens and corneas normally focus light onto an image on the retina. In a myopic eye the light is focused in front of the retina and so the image is blurred.
Does a short-sighted person see close objects more clearly than a person with normal vision?
No. Short-sighted people see close objects equally as well or often slightly worse.
How can I tell if I am short-sighted?
Short-sighted people have difficulty in seeing distant objects clearly. They find it hard to read road signs and scoreboards and to play ball games. Recognising people in the distance may be a problem for many short-sighted people. Often a person will not realise that they cannot see clearly but an eye examination by an optometrist will reveal the problem.
How can I tell if my child is short-sighted?
A complete eye test is the only sure way of determining whether your child’s vision is normal. Some clues to myopia in a child are:
- Screwing up eyes to see distant objects.
- Difficulty reading the blackboard at school.
- Poor posture while reading.
- Lack of interest in playing outdoor games.
What causes myopia?
No-one knows for sure. At various times people have blamed excessive amounts of reading, poor metabolism, poor diet, poor light, poor posture and genetic factors. Other people say it is a combination of all these things.
Can myopia be cured?
No, but properly prescribed eyewear or contact lenses will enable you to see clearly. Laser surgery to reshape the front surface of the eye can also help some people with myopia. Your optometrist can advise you about the latest developments and whether they would be suitable for you.
Can myopia be prevented?
There is no certain prevention for myopia but, in some cases, treatment can be prescribed to stop or slow its progression.
How common is myopia?
It is a very common condition. About 15 per cent of the population is short-sighted. Usually myopia begins to develop in teenage years and may get worse over the following few years.
