Myopia

Shortsighted vision

A shortsighted, or myopic eye is longer than normal. Light rays focus in front of the retina rather than on the retina. Distant objects look blurred

Shortsighted people have trouble in seeing distant objects clearly. It is a very common condition effecting around 20-25% of the Australian population.

Usually myopia begins to develop in the teenage years although it may develop earlier. Some of the first signs in a school-age child are

• difficulty in reading the blackboard
• lack of interest in outside games - especially ball games
• screwing up of the eyes to see distant objects

Myopia cannot be cured but properly prescribed spectacles or contact lenses will enable the person to see clearly. In addition, an adult may be suitable for correction through Excimer Laser refractive surgery