Nearsightedness (myopia)

If you can see well up close (for example, while reading) but distant objects appear blurry – you are probably nearsighted. In this case, the image falls in front of the retina, and that’s why it is unclear. To “move” it to the correct spot – on the retina – negative diopters (minus glasses) are needed.

What are the symptoms of nearsightedness?

• If you suffer from nearsightedness, you may notice:
• Distant objects appear blurred or unclear.
• Close objects appear clear.
• Headache.
• Eye strain.
• Fatigue when driving, playing sports, or looking at distances of more than a few meters.

Myopia most often appears in early childhood. Look out for:

• Poor performance in school.
• Reduced concentration.
• Holding objects close to the face.

Most cases of myopia are mild and can be easily corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

What causes nearsightedness?

If you have nearsightedness, it is very likely that at least one of your biological parents also has it. Ophthalmologists are not yet certain about the exact cause of nearsightedness, but they believe it to be a combination of hereditary and external factors.

You may inherit a predisposition to nearsightedness. If your lifestyle creates the right conditions, it will develop. For example, if you use your eyes for a lot of near work, like reading or working on a computer, you may develop nearsightedness.

Since the light entering your eyes doesn’t focus properly, images appear unclear. Imagine it as a slightly misdirected spotlight. If you aim the spotlight at the wrong location in the distance, you won’t be able to clearly see the correct object.

Risk factors for nearsightedness may include:

• Family history of nearsightedness.
• Spending a lot of time on ‘close work,’ such as reading or using screens like those on smartphones or computers.
• Insufficient time outdoors. Some studies suggest this could be a factor in the development of nearsightedness.
• Ethnicity. Certain groups of people have a higher prevalence of nearsightedness compared to others.

Synonyms: Reduced distance vision, Myopic eye, Problem seeing distant objects