What is nearsightedness?

Nearsightedness (myopia) is a common cause of blurred vision. It can be mild, moderate, or severe. If you are nearsighted, objects in the distance appear blurry and out of focus. You might squint or frown when trying to see distant objects clearly. Nearsightedness is usually a variation from normal, not a disease.

The main symptom is blurred vision when looking at distant objects. If you can see well enough to read newspaper print but you struggle to see things that are farther away, you are probably nearsighted. You may have trouble clearly seeing images or words on a street sign, movie screen, or television. This can lead to poor school, athletic, or work performance.

Children may be nearsighted if they squint or frown, get headaches often, or hold books or other objects very close to their faces. They may also sit at the front of the classroom or very close to the TV or movie screen. They may not be interested in sports or other activities that require good distance vision.

If you think that your child may be nearsighted, see an eye care specialist. Treating nearsightedness early is important. With better visual skills, your child won't have as much trouble doing school work and other activities that require a person to see things far away.

A routine eye exam can show whether you're nearsighted. It includes questions about your eyesight and a physical exam of your eyes. Ophthalmoscopy, slit lamp exams, and other tests that check vision and eye health are also part of the exam. Eye exams should be done for new babies and at all well-child visits.

Most people who are nearsighted use eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct their vision.

Surgery may be an option for some people. Options may include LASIK, PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), and artificial lens implants. The goal of surgery is to help you see more clearly without glasses or contacts. Most people will see better after surgery.

Some people with mild nearsightedness may not need to correct their vision. Nearsightedness won't affect the health of your eye. It won't get worse just because you don't wear glasses or don't have surgery.

Reduce eyestrain

• Wear eyeglasses or contact lenses as prescribed.
• Use good light for reading, work, or study. Use a soft background light plus a light on your task.
• Take frequent breaks when you do close work that can be hard on your eyes. Blink often. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds (the "20-20-20" rule). Close and rest your eyes when they feel tired or dry.
• Avoid glare on screens. Place your TV or computer screen where lights do not reflect on the screen. Some people find it easier to work on a computer in a dimly lit room. You can also try an anti-glare screen or screen protector.

Keep your eyes healthy

• Have eye exams as often as your doctor recommends.
• Wear sunglasses to block harmful sunlight. Choose a pair that will screen out ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) rays.