Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is the counterpart to Hyperopia. Where Hyperopic patients have difficulty seeing objects up close, (reading, sewing, etc), myopic patients have difficulty seeing objects from a distance (television, street signs, etc.). This is caused by an abnormally long ocular axis, in which light rays come into focus in front of the retina. Blurry vision, eye strain and headaches are commonly associated with this refractive error if left untreated. Individuals with myopia see close objects clearly, but anything at a distance is blurry.
Myopia often first presents in children, between the age of eight and 12. It is an inherited condition, so if your parents are nearsighted, you will likely become nearsighted. When the body begins to grow a lot during teenage years, myopia can become worse. Typically, between 20-40, the eyesight will not continue to worsen.
The main symptom of myopia is blurry vision for items at a distance. As it often begins in childhood, children that experience myopia may describe trouble seeing the board at the front of the room. As a result, individuals may also experience headaches and squinting to attempt to see objects better.
There are a number of treatments to alleviate myopia. During childhood, when the vision is still changing, glasses or contacts are typically the most common method of treatment. LASIK and other vision correction treatments are also options for individuals with myopia. Learn more about the myopia treatment options available at Benjamin Eye Institute:
- Prescription glasses
- Contact lenses
- Laser vision correction with IntraLase
- Custom cornea
Learn more about hyperopia and the treatments offered at Benjamin Eye Institute.