What is myopia?
Myopia (nearsightedness) is a visual condition where near objects may be seen clearly, but distant objects do not come into proper focus.
Why does myopia occur?
When your eyeball is too long or the cornea has too much curvature, it causes light rays to focus at a point in front of the retina rather than directly on its surface. It may be hereditary or it may occur spontaneously. New research suggests, however, that spending too much time indoors during childhood is a risk factor for developing myopia.
How common is it?
Myopia is a common visual condition that affects nearly 30 per cent of the Canadian population. It normally starts during childhood and continues to increase until the individual reaches their 20s.
Will I have to wear glasses?
If needed, your optometrist will prescribe corrective lenses for you. You may only need them for certain activities that require seeing from a distance, while others will need them full time.
Will glasses or contact lenses cure myopia?
Eyeglasses or contact lenses optically correct the problem by altering the way the image enters your eyes, but they do not cure myopia. At present there are no proven cures for nearsightedness. Surgical procedures such as LASIK, PRK or SBK, and/or lens implants may eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses.
Diagnosis
People with myopia will often have trouble seeing the whiteboard, the movie screen, the television set or other distant objects. When your optometrist gives you a comprehensive eye examination, he or she will include tests to determine whether or not you need a prescription.
Will it affect my lifestyle?
If glasses or contact lenses are prescribed, it may take up to two weeks to adjust to seeing clearly with them. Some people with myopia may find they are restricted from some occupations (for example, police officers or fire fighters), due to their inability to see properly if their glasses fall off. In these cases, laser surgery may be useful. Contact lenses are very helpful for correcting nearsightedness and are ideal for people with more active lifestyles.
Source:
“Farsighted and nearsighted” Ontario Association of Optometrists, Retrieved 13 June 2019. <https://www.optom.on.ca/OAO/Patients/Library/Farsighted_and_nearsighted.aspx>