Learn About Nearsightedness (Myopia)
- Family Eye Care
- Aug 24
- 2 min read
Myopia is the medical term for nearsightedness. It is a condition that causes difficulty focusing on objects at a distance, while near vision remains normal. Myopia is one of the most common vision problems worldwide and it is becoming epidemic.
View the American Optometric Association's Myopia Fact Sheet.
Myopia Causes
Myopia is a refractive error caused by an irregular shaped cornea that affects the way light is focused on the retina. For clear vision, light should come to a focus point directly onto the retina. In myopia, the eye is longer than usual, resulting in a point of focus before reaching the retina. This causes objects at a distance to appear blurry, while close objects can be seen normally.
Myopia often has a genetic component and may appear in multiple members of a family. Myopia typically presents in childhood and gets progressively worse during school years.
Researchers believe that the environment kids grow up in today, with too many close activities and lack of outdoor play is contributing to the rapid increase in childhood myopia. While glasses and contact lenses compensate for a child’s blurry vision, they don’t stop your child’s vision from continuing to deteriorate.
The Danger of Myopia
Studies now show there is more to worry about with myopic eyes than the inconvenience of ever thickening lenses. Scientific evidence has proven that myopic patients are more vulnerable to a range of sight threatening diseases and complications.
Patients with mild myopia have a four-fold increase in the risk of retinal detachment. For those with moderate to severe myopia, the risk increases ten times. Other myopia risks include glaucoma, cataracts and myopic degeneration.
Myopia Can Be Managed
The goal of myopia management is to reduce or even stop the progression of myopia and reduce its impact on your child’s life. The younger myopia management begins, the more effective the treatment.
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