Myopia (Short-Sightedness)

Myopia, commonly called short-sightedness or nearsightedness, is one of the most prevalent eye conditions in Australia — affecting around one in three Australians. People with myopia can see objects clearly up close, but distant objects appear blurry and out of focus.

How Does Myopia Affect Vision?

For clear vision, light entering the eye must be precisely focused by the cornea and lens onto the retina at the back of the eye. In a myopic eye, the eyeball is slightly too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. The result is a blurred image for anything in the distance.

What Causes Myopia?

The exact cause of myopia is not yet fully understood. However, research has identified two key contributing factors:

• Environmental factors: Prolonged close-up work — such as reading, screen use, or studying in poor lighting — has been strongly linked to the development and progression of myopia.
• Genetics: Myopia tends to run in families. A child's risk of developing myopia increases significantly if one or both parents are myopic.

Common Symptoms of Myopia

Myopia is often first identified in school-age children. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Difficulty seeing the board or screen at school or work
• Squinting to see distant objects more clearly
• Eye strain, particularly after activities requiring distance vision
• Frequent headaches

Myopia Treatment Options

An optometrist or ophthalmologist can diagnose myopia through a comprehensive eye examination. Once diagnosed, there are several effective treatment options available in Australia:

• Prescription glasses: The most common treatment. Corrective lenses refocus light directly onto the retina, restoring clear distance vision.
• Contact lenses: An alternative to glasses that achieves the same optical correction, available in daily, fortnightly, or monthly wear options.
• Laser eye surgery (LASIK/PRK): A permanent surgical option that reshapes the cornea to correct the refractive error, eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.
• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): A non-surgical option involving specially designed retainer contact lenses worn overnight to gradually reshape the cornea and temporarily correct myopia during the day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Myopia

Can myopia be cured?

Myopia cannot be permanently cured through glasses or contact lenses, but laser eye surgery can provide a long-term correction. Orthokeratology can temporarily reduce myopia while the lenses are worn consistently.

At what age does myopia usually start?

Myopia most commonly develops in children between the ages of 6 and 14, and may continue to progress through the teenage years before stabilising in early adulthood.

Can myopia get worse over time?

Yes. Myopia often progresses during childhood and adolescence. Regular eye examinations are important to monitor changes and update prescriptions as needed.

How is myopia diagnosed?

Myopia is diagnosed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist during a standard eye test, which measures how well you can see at various distances and determines the appropriate corrective prescription.