Shortsight is a restriction in the ability to focus at distance. It is caused by the eye being too long and/or the cornea being too curved. The focal point of the eye falls inside the eye.

Shortsightedness is indicated by a negative prescription.

Correcting Shortsightedness

To correct shortsightedness, the cornea is flattened by the laser making the optical system less powerful and allowing the focal point fo the image to move backwards on to the retina.

The cornea can be flattened by a number of different ways. At Centre for Sight, we prefer IntraLASIK where the Intralase laser is used to create a thin flap and the Zyoptix Excimer laser is used to flatten the cornea under the flap. Other options include PRK / LASEK / Epi-LASEK.

a myopic eye
eye too long or
cornea too steep

How much shortsight can be corrected ?

At Centre for Sight we have treated -12.00D and above, but this is not possible in all patients. For high levels of correction depending on age and health of the eye, phakic lenses i.e. Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) or Artisan/Artiflex (Veriseyes/Veriflex) are often a better option.  The alternatives and their benefits will be discussed by the Centre for Sight team at your consultation.

In those over 55, if at consultation the lens is found to have an early cataract, a lens extraction may be advised. This has the advantage of providing both distance and near correction using added value implants such as the Crystalens, ReSTOR, Acri.LISA and Tecnis.Multifocal. At Centre for Sight we pride ourselves in being able to offer a variety of Vision Correction options enabling us to tailor a treatment specifically for you!