What is myopia?

Nearsightedness, or myopia, is an eye condition where you can see close objects clearly, but objects that are far away look blurry.

Why does myopia happen?

When your eyeball is too long or the outer layer of your eye (the cornea) is too curved, it causes light rays to focus at a point in front of the retina rather than directly on its surface. Myopia may be passed on from parents or it may occur spontaneously.

How common is myopia?

Myopia is a very common visual condition that affects nearly thirty per cent of the Canadian population. It normally starts in childhood and increases until the individual reaches their 20s.

Can I be tested for myopia?

People with myopia will often have trouble seeing the whiteboard, the movie screen, the television set or other distant objects. When you get an eye exam from you doctor of optometry, they will include tests to see if you need a prescription for myopia.

Will I have to wear glasses?

A prescription for corrective lenses glasses will help you see more clearly. You may only need them for certain activities, like watching television, going to a movie or driving a car, while others will need them full time.

Will glasses or contact lenses cure myopia?

Glasses or contact lenses correct the problem by changing the way the image enters your eyes, but they do not cure myopia.

There are no proven cures for nearsightedness. However, surgical procedures like LASIK, PRK or SBK, and/or lens implants may eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses.

How will myopia affect my lifestyle?

If glasses or contact lenses are prescribed, it may take up to two weeks to get used to seeing clearly with them. Some people with myopia may find that they are restricted from some occupations (for example, police officers or fire fighters), due to their inability to see properly if their glasses fall off. In these cases, laser surgery may be useful. Contact lenses are very helpful for correcting nearsightedness and are ideal for people with more active lifestyles.