Overview
Myopia, or short-sightedness, is a very common eye condition in which distant objects look blurred while near ones are clear, because the eye focuses light just in front of the retina instead of on it. It usually begins in childhood and can worsen through the growing years, and rates are rising fast with more indoor time and screen use. It is easily corrected with glasses, contact lenses or, in adults, laser surgery, and regular eye checks keep the correction right.
Symptoms
- Blurred vision when looking at distant objects
- Clear vision for close-up tasks
- Squinting or screwing up the eyes to see far away
- Difficulty seeing the board at school or road signs while driving
- Eye strain and headaches
When to see a doctor
See an eye doctor if distant vision is blurred, if a child squints or sits close to screens, or for a regular eye test.
Causes
An eyeball that is slightly too long or a cornea that is too curved; it runs in families and is worsened by prolonged close work and little outdoor time.