NEARSIGHTEDNESS (MYOPIA)

Symptoms

• Squinting
• Headaches
• Blurred vision at distance
• Eyestrain or eye fatigue when using distance vision

Many children who are unable to see the board at school may not realize it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is nearsightedness (myopia)?
People with nearsightedness have difficulty seeing clearly objects at a distance; but can see near objects clearly.

What causes nearsightedness?
Nearsightedness occurs when the structures of the eye bend light in front of, instead of directly on, the retina. If the eyeball is too long or the cornea or lens inside the eye has too much curvature, the light entering the eye will not focused directly on the retina. Myopia tends to run in families and often appears in childhood or early adulthood.

Is nearsightedness common?
Yes. Approximately a quarter to one third of the population has some degree of nearsightedness.

Will using a nightlight in my child’s room contribute to nearsightedness?
Parent may have heard that a nightlight in your child’s bedroom may contribute to nearsightedness; however, there is not enough evidence to support this claim. In fact, having a little light may actually help your child learn to focus and develop important eye coordination skills when he or she is awake.

Will reading in the dark weaken my eyesight?
No. You may develop a headache from straining to read in the dark, but it will not weaken your eyesight.

Can glasses or contacts weaken my eyesight over time?
Your eyes will not grow weaker from using corrective lenses. Your prescription may change over time due to the normal aging process or the presence of disease, but not because of corrective lenses.

Will wearing contact lenses keep my nearsightedness from progressing?
Properly fitting contact lenses will improve your vision, but they will not change the long-term progression of your nearsightedness.

Can nearsightedness interfere with my daily activities?
Yes. If you have significant uncorrected nearsightedness, you may have eyestrain or headaches when trying to see at a distance. Fuzzy vision may detract from your ability to perform everyday tasks or enjoy leisure activities requiring distance vision.

Can I have other conditions associated with my nearsightedness?
Yes. Nearsightedness can be accompanied by astigmatism.

What treatments are available for nearsightedness?
There is a wide range of options to correct nearsightedness. Drs. Agnone and Morrison will perform a full exam to rule out other contributing factors to your symptoms. Glasses, contact lenses, and refractive surgery --LASIK, LASEK, Advanced Surface Ablation, and clear lensectomy with a premium or traditional lens implant -- may be options for you.