MYOPIA

A person with myopia is said to be nearsighted, because they can see objects that are up close, but have trouble seeing images or objects that are far away. Although myopia is generally a mild and manageable condition, severe myopia can trigger much more serious eye problems and can potentially lead to blindness. Learn more about myopia by reading the sections below and visit our myopia treatments page for more information about how the condition can be treated.
Myopia Symptoms
Myopia is a type of refractive error that usually presents itself in children of about eight to twelve years old. Signs that a child may be nearsighted include squinting, difficulty seeing objects at a distance, and holding books or other objects very close to the face. Occasionally, a person with myopia may have headaches or eyestrain from the effort of trying to focus.
Causes of Myopia
Although theories abound as to what behaviors may trigger or worsen myopia, it is generally accepted within the medical community that nearsightedness is an inherited trait. Nearsighted people have eyes that are elongated or corneas that are more steeply curved than those of the average person, causing incoming light to focus at a point in front of the retina, rather than on it. This type of refractive error is most commonly found in those who have a direct relative with the same condition.
Myopia Diagnosis
Myopia can be easily diagnosed during a routine eye exam. Usually, a visual acuity test combined with a refraction assessment can not only identify nearsightedness, but can also determine the degree of myopia. The visual acuity test involves reading a special chart from a specific distance. Based on how much of the chart the patient can read, the doctor is able to determine how clearly the patient can see. During a refraction assessment, the patient is asked to look through a device called a Phoropter while the eye doctor changes lenses and asks the patient questions. This allows the doctor to determine what prescription will most effectively correct the patient’s vision.
Moderate to Severe Myopia
People who have moderate or severe myopia may only be able to see objects that are within a few inches of their faces without the aid of corrective lenses. Degenerative myopia, a rare condition in which the eye continues to elongate far beyond a normal range, can lead to a variety of serious complications. These include stretching and thinning of the eye’s outer shell, or sclera, retinal detachment, macular degeneration, increased likelihood of cataracts, and even glaucoma.
Degree of Nearsighted Vision
A diopter is a unit used to measure lens strength. It can also be used to describe the degree of myopia a person has. A person with mild myopia will have a prescription of -3.0 diopters or less. Someone with a degree of myopia of between -3.0 and -6.0 diopters is said to be moderately nearsighted. Measurements of -6.0 diopters and higher are considered severe. The degree of a person’s myopia will affect their candidacy for procedures such as LASIK and PRK.