Myopia (short-sightedness)

Myopia is a common focusing condition in which nearby objects are usually clear but distant objects look blurred. It is also called near-sightedness or short-sightedness.

What happens in the eye?

In a myopic eye, light from distant objects focuses in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This most often happens because the eye has grown a little longer than average, or less commonly because the cornea or lens focuses too strongly.

Symptoms

• Blurred distance vision, such as difficulty with signs, television or driving
• Squinting to see distant objects more clearly
• Eye strain or headaches after trying to focus at a distance
• In children, moving close to the board or not noticing distant details

How is myopia corrected?

An eye examination measures the prescription and checks the health of the eyes. Glasses and contact lenses use a minus-powered lens to bring the focus back onto the retina. In selected adults, laser vision correction or lens-based surgery may be options, but these need a separate assessment and are not suitable for everyone.

Why regular eye care is important

Most myopia is straightforward to correct. However, people with higher myopia have a greater lifetime risk of retinal tears or detachment, glaucoma and changes at the centre of the retina. Regular dilated examinations are especially important when advised by your ophthalmologist.

Can myopia be prevented or slowed?

For children, regular outdoor time and sensible breaks from prolonged near work are helpful habits. If a child’s myopia is progressing, treatment to slow progression may be considered. This can include clinician-prescribed low-dose atropine drops or specialised peripheral-defocus spectacle lenses, alongside other options in selected children. Read the childhood myopia guide.

When to arrange a review

Book an eye examination for persistent distance blur, a change in glasses prescription, headaches or difficulty with day-to-day vision. Seek urgent care rather than waiting for an appointment if there are sudden flashes, many new floaters, a curtain-like shadow, sudden loss of vision, severe pain or an eye injury.

This page is general patient information and is not a diagnosis. Your eye-care professional can advise on the best correction and follow-up for your eyes.