People who have myopia or nearsightedness have difficulty seeing distant objects, but can see objects that are near clearly. For example, a person who is nearsighted may not be able to make out highway signs until they are just a few feet away.

Myopia (or nearsightedness) affects a significant percentage of the population, but this eye disorder is easily corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery.

What Are the Symptoms of Myopia?

People who are nearsighted often complain of headaches, eyestrain, squinting, or fatigue when driving, playing sports, or looking more than a few feet away. Children commonly complain of not being able to see the board at school.

How Is Myopia Diagnosed?

Myopia can be easily diagnosed using standard eye exams given by an eye doctor.

How Is Myopia Treated?

Glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery can correct myopia.

With myopia, your prescription for glasses or contact lens is a negative number, such as -3.00. The higher the number, the stronger your lenses will be. The prescription helps the eye focus light on the retina, clearing up the vision.

Refractive surgery can reduce or even eliminate your dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

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