Shortsightedness
Short-sightedness, also known as myopia, is a common vision condition where nearby objects appear clear but distant objects look blurred. It occurs when the eye is slightly longer than normal or when the cornea bends light too strongly, causing images to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it.
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Why It Matters
Short-sightedness is becoming increasingly common worldwide. While mild myopia can usually be corrected easily, higher levels may increase the risk of certain eye conditions later in life, making regular eye examinations important.
What is Short-Sightedness (Myopia)?
Short-sightedness, also known as myopia, is a common refractive error that affects how light focuses in the eye. It occurs when the eye is slightly longer than normal or when the cornea bends light too strongly. As a result, light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina rather than directly on it, causing distant objects to appear blurred while nearby objects remain clear.
People with myopia may have difficulty seeing things clearly at a distance, such as road signs, television screens or classroom boards. The condition often begins during childhood or adolescence, when the eyes are still growing, and may gradually worsen during the school years before stabilising in early adulthood.
Myopia is one of the most common vision conditions worldwide and can usually be corrected effectively with glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery. Early diagnosis and regular eye examinations are important, particularly for children, as monitoring vision can help ensure appropriate correction and reduce the risk of future eye health complications associated with high myopia.
What are the Symptoms of Short-Sightedness (Myopia)?
Short-sightedness symptoms often develop gradually and may become more noticeable as the eye continues to grow during childhood. Regular eye examinations are important to detect myopia early and ensure vision is corrected appropriately.
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Blurred distance vision
Objects that are far away, such as road signs, television screens or classroom boards, may appear blurred or difficult to see clearly.
Squinting to see distant objects
People with myopia may squint in an attempt to improve focus when looking at objects in the distance.
Eye strain
The eyes may feel tired or strained, particularly after trying to focus on distant objects for extended periods.
Frequent headaches
Straining to see clearly can sometimes lead to headaches, especially around the forehead or eyes.
Sitting closer to screens or the front of a room
Children with myopia may move closer to televisions or sit near the front of the classroom to see more clearly.
Difficulty with night vision
Some people experience glare or reduced clarity when driving or looking at lights in low-light conditions.
What Causes Nearsightedness?
Short-sightedness occurs when the shape of the eye causes light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This usually happens when the eye grows slightly longer than normal from front to back, or when the cornea bends light too strongly.
Several factors can contribute to the development of myopia:
Genetic factors
Myopia often runs in families. Children with one or both parents who are short-sighted are more likely to develop the condition.Eye growth during childhood
Myopia commonly develops when the eyes are still growing, particularly during school years.Prolonged near work
Activities that involve sustained close focus, such as reading, studying or using digital devices, may increase the likelihood of developing myopia.Limited time outdoors
Research suggests that children who spend less time outdoors may have a higher risk of developing myopia.Environmental and lifestyle factors
Modern lifestyles that involve extended screen use and indoor activities are thought to contribute to the increasing global prevalence of myopia.
Because myopia is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, regular eye examinations are important, particularly during childhood when vision is still developing.
Shortsightedness Treatment
Most people with shortsightedness will use glasses or contact lenses to help put objects back into focus. However, this does mean being reliant on contact lenses or glasses and involves all the upkeep that goes with this. Luckily, more permanent treatment options are available that correct the refractive error, meaning freedom from glasses and contact lenses. Click on the links below to find out more about each corrective treatment option.
Laser Eye Surgery
Lasik Laser eye surgery is a common and popular vision correction procedure which corrects refractive errors including short-sightedness, far-sightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia.
Implantable Contact Lenses
Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL), the EVO Visian ICL are micro-thin lenses placed inside the eye to correct short-sightedness (myopia), far-sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.
Lens Replacement Surgery
Lens Replacement Surgery is another vision correction option. The procedure involves replacing the natural lens inside the eye with a high-performance lens implant.
Diagnosis & Assessment
Short-sightedness (myopia) is usually diagnosed during a comprehensive eye examination. Because the condition affects how light focuses on the retina, assessment focuses on measuring visual clarity and determining how the eye focuses on distant objects. Early diagnosis is particularly important in children, as myopia often develops and progresses while the eye is still growing.
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How We Assess Your Vision
Your assessment is carried out by a specialist ophthalmologist who will examine both your visual function and overall eye health. The aim is to determine whether distant vision is affected and to measure the degree of myopia.
Duration: 60–90 Minutes
What to Expect
Detailed symptom and medical history
Comprehensive vision and refraction test
Slit-lamp examination of the front of the eye
Assessment of overall eye health
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Tests and Scans You May Have
Additional tests may be used to measure how the eye focuses light and to evaluate the structure of the eye.
Duration: 60–90 Minutes
What to Expect
Visual acuity testing for distance vision
Refraction testing to determine prescription strength
Keratometry to measure corneal curvature
Eye pressure measurement if required
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What Happens at Your First Appointment
Following your examination and any necessary tests, your consultant will explain the results clearly and discuss the most suitable options for correcting your vision.
Duration: 60–90 Minutes
What to Expect
Clear explanation of your diagnosis
Measurement of the degree of myopia
Discussion of treatment or correction options
Personalised follow-up plan if needed
Our Consultants
Meet our team of expert and world-renowned Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons
Why Choose Centre for Sight
Centre for Sight is one of the UK’s most established and pioneering eye care providers, with over 30 years of experience and multiple national firsts. We were the first clinic in the UK to perform LASIK, and among the earliest to introduce femtosecond laser technology for both laser eye surgery and cataract procedures. Our consultants have collectively performed over 35,000 cataract surgeries, delivering exceptional outcomes backed by audited results and world-class surgical expertise. Patients benefit from fully consultant-led care, advanced diagnostic technology, and personalised treatment planning all supported by our reputation as a trusted centre where ophthalmologists from around the world come to observe and train. At Centre for Sight, innovation, safety, and excellence are built into every step of your journey.
Patient Success Stories
Such great care and service here. I had a household accident last week and came to get my eye looked at, which they went out of their way to accomodate on the same morning of ringing. The team is amazing, the admin, nurses, and consultant were really kind and caring. The follow up care has also been great with calls after a week to check how I’m getting on. Everyone has been so warm and friendly, a huge heartfelt thank you!
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sana ali
The best decision ever! My eye treatment at Centre for Sight has changed my life and enhanced my confidence. Having trifocal lenses implanted by Mr Sheraz Daya has restored my eyesight and I no longer need to use any lenses for reading, driving or any other activities.
From my first encounter with Mr Daya and his team at Centre for Sight, I felt most reassured that I was getting a very professional opinion and treatment. The day of the procedure was made much easier by the comforting support provided to me by Dr Espinosa whilst Mr Daya was performing my eye surgery. Overall, a fantastic experience and a great result.
Centre For Sight
Manuel Oyarzabal
Really proffesional
The professionalism I experienced right the way through the process was just brilliant. With all the testing prior to surgery, I felt very sure that I was doing the right thing. Saj Khan was not only very proffesional, he was also quite funny, which put you at ease.
Centre For Sight
Nigel Guthrie
A heartfelt thank you also to his team: Adora and Teresa, who have supported me from my very first appointment and always make me feel welcome, and Katie, Debra and Alex at Grinstead, who cared for me during surgery and helped me through one of the most anxious times of my life.
I cannot recommend Dr Daya and his team enough. For anyone who is unsure or afraid of taking this step — please know this really can change your life.
Centre For Sight
Rikesh Patel
Excellent Result
Initial tests were very thorough and the recommendations clearly set out. The operation itself was quick and painless. All the staff were friendly and professional. The aftercare was faultless.
Centre For Sight
Derek
Our Centres
London Centre
Suite 2, 14 Queen Anne Street, London W1G 8HZ
Centre for Sight London, located at 14 Queen Anne St, Suite 2, in the prestigious Harley Street area, offers consultations, follow-up care, and YAG laser procedures.
Sussex Centre
Hazelden Place, Turners Hill Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 4RH
Arguably the most modern private eye hospital in the UK, our hospital in Sussex offers Laser Vision Correction, Corneal Transplants, Stem Cell Surgery and more.
Surrey Centre
48 High Street, Oxshott, Surrey, KT22 0JR
Centre for Sight London, located at 14 Queen Anne St, Suite 2, in the prestigious Harley Street area, offers consultations, follow-up care, and YAG laser procedures.
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FAQs
Below are answers to common questions about short-sightedness (myopia).
Does nearsighted mean the same as shortsighted?
Yes, both are terms for myopia, the refractive error that makes objects that are far away appear blurry, making activities like driving difficult.
What are the options for nearsight correction?
Options for nearsightedness correction include laser eye surgery, implantable contact lenses and lens replacement surgery. Book a consultation today to explore your treatment options.
Can you be shortsighted and longsighted?
Yes, you can be but not in the same eye. So your left eye could be one while your right eye could be the other.
Will I need glasses for the rest of my life?
Yes and no. Without corrective treatment, you will rely on glasses or contact lenses indefinitely. However, if you undergo a corrective procedure to correct the refractive error, then you will no longer rely on glasses or contact lenses for nearsightedness.
Have Questions?
Our patient care team is here to answer any questions you may have.