Short Sightedness FAQs
Learn about short sightedness, its causes, symptoms and treatments including glasses, contact
lenses and laser vision correction.
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Short Sightedness FAQs
What is short sightedness?
Short sightedness, also known as myopia, is a common vision condition where distant objects appear blurred while nearby objects remain clear. It occurs when the eye focuses light in front of the retina rather than directly on it.
This usually happens because the eyeball is slightly longer than normal or because the cornea has too much curvature. As a result, light entering the eye does not focus correctly, making distant objects difficult to see clearly.
Short sightedness often begins during childhood and may gradually progress during the teenage years before stabilising in adulthood.
What causes short sightedness?
Short sightedness develops when the eye grows slightly longer than expected from front to back. This change in eye shape affects how light is focused onto the retina.
Genetics plays a significant role, meaning children are more likely to develop short sightedness if one or both parents are short sighted. Environmental factors may also contribute. Increased time spent focusing on close activities such as reading, computer use or mobile devices has been linked to the rising prevalence of short sightedness worldwide.
Limited time spent outdoors during childhood may also influence the development of the condition.
What are the symptoms of short sightedness?
The most noticeable symptom of short sightedness is blurred distance vision. People with myopia may find it difficult to see road signs, television screens or classroom boards clearly.
Other symptoms may include frequent squinting, headaches caused by eye strain and difficulty seeing clearly while driving, particularly at night. Some individuals may also notice that they need to sit closer to screens or reading material in order to see comfortably.
If these symptoms occur, an eye examination can confirm whether short sightedness is present.
How is short sightedness diagnosed?
Short sightedness is diagnosed during a comprehensive eye examination carried out by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
The assessment typically involves measuring visual acuity, which evaluates how clearly a person can see letters on a chart at different distances. Additional tests measure how light focuses within the eye and determine the exact prescription required to correct the vision.
Advanced diagnostic imaging may also be used to assess the overall health and structure of the eye.
Can short sightedness get worse over time?
Yes, short sightedness often progresses during childhood and adolescence as the eye continues to grow. In many individuals, the condition stabilises during early adulthood.
However, high levels of myopia can continue to progress in some cases and may increase the risk of certain eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma and myopic macular degeneration.
Regular eye examinations are therefore important to monitor changes in vision and ensure appropriate correction is provided.
How is short sightedness treated?
Short sightedness can be effectively managed through several treatment options.
The most common solutions include glasses and contact lenses, which adjust the way light enters the eye so that it focuses correctly on the retina. These options provide immediate improvement in vision and are widely used.
For suitable candidates, laser vision correction may provide a long term solution. Procedures such as LASIK or PRK reshape the cornea to improve how light is focused, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Specialist ophthalmology clinics can assess whether laser vision correction is appropriate for each individual.
Can short sightedness be prevented?
While it may not always be possible to completely prevent short sightedness, certain lifestyle factors may help reduce the risk of developing or worsening the condition.
Encouraging children to spend more time outdoors has been associated with a lower risk of developing myopia. Regular breaks during prolonged near work such as reading or screen use may also help reduce eye strain.
Early detection through routine eye examinations remains the most effective way to manage the condition.
Is short sightedness common?
Yes, short sightedness is one of the most common vision conditions worldwide. In many developed countries, the prevalence of myopia has increased significantly over recent decades.
Research suggests that lifestyle changes, including increased screen use and reduced outdoor activity, may be contributing factors. As a result, more children and young adults are being diagnosed with short sightedness than in previous generations.
When should someone seek treatment for short sightedness?
Anyone experiencing difficulty seeing distant objects clearly should consider booking an eye examination. Early diagnosis allows appropriate correction to be prescribed and helps prevent unnecessary eye strain.
Children who struggle to see classroom boards or frequently squint may benefit from a vision assessment. Adults who notice changes in their distance vision should also seek professional advice.
Regular eye examinations ensure that vision remains properly corrected and that any underlying eye conditions are identified early.
Can laser eye surgery correct short sightedness?
Yes, laser eye surgery is one of the most effective treatments for short sightedness in suitable candidates. Procedures such as LASEK or PRK reshape the cornea so that light entering the eye focuses correctly on the retina. This can significantly reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
However, not everyone is suitable for laser vision correction. Factors such as corneal thickness, prescription stability and overall eye health must be carefully assessed by an ophthalmologist before treatment is recommended.
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