A person with shortsightedness can see close objects clearly, but may have trouble seeing objects from a distance – like a road sign, blackboard, or face across the room. It’s a common condition, affecting 1 in 4 adults worldwide.
What Causes Shortsightedness?
Shortsightedness or myopia happens when the eye has a long shape, which causes light rays to focus too far in front of the retina, making distance vision difficult.
Like Longsightedness, myopia can be inherited. It is often discovered when children are 8 to 12 years old. During the teenage years, when the body is growing rapidly, it can get worse. Typically, between ages 20 and 40 there is little change.
Simple Eye Exam
The most common symptoms include:
- Blurred distance vision
- Frequent squinting of eyes
- Eye strain or headaches from trying to focus
Treatments for Shortsightedness
Shortsightedness is easily corrected by refocusing the light rays onto the retina of the eye. This is commonly done through:
- Spectacles and contact lenses: The simplest treatment option chosen by most people. PureVision2 HD contact lenses feature HD Optics that deliver the clear, crisp vision that you should demand – designed to reduce halos and glare – especially in low light.
- Surgery: Surgical options are available, but can be expensive, and may involve more risk than contact lens options available. These procedures use laser technology or manual incisions to remove small amounts of tissue from the cornea. Photo courtesy of National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health