What is myopia?

Myopia is not a disease, nor does it mean you have "bad eyes."  It is a variation in the shape of your eyeball.  The degree of variation determines whether or not you will need corrective eyewear.

What causes myopia?

When the eyeball is slightly longer than usual from front to back, light rays focus at a point in front of the retina rather than directly on its surface causing the myopic condition.  There is some evidence that nearsightedness may also be caused by too much close vision work.

What are the symptoms of myopia?

Headaches, eyestrain, squinting or feeling fatigued when driving or playing sports are all symptoms of myopia.  If you experience these symptoms while wearing your glasses or contact lenses, you may need a comprehensive eye examination as well as a new prescription.

What is the treatment for myopia?

Nearsightedness may be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.  A common procedure for correcting mild myopia is Lasik.  This alters the shape of the cornea, thereby, correcting the myopia.

For information on this refractive error, visit the Eye Care America website at:

http://www.eyecareamerica.org/eyecare/conditions/refractive-errors/index.cfm