Myopia (Short Sightedness)
What is Myopia (Short-Sightedness)?
Myopia, or short-sightedness, is a common vision condition that affects how clearly you see distant objects. People with myopia can see things up close clearly, but objects in the distance – like a classroom whiteboard or street signs – often appear blurry.
This happens because the eyeball grows too long, or the cornea becomes too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it.
Why is Myopia Becoming More Common?
It typically develops during childhood and often progresses throughout the teenage years. In recent years, myopia rates have increased significantly around the world, especially in younger children.
This rise is largely linked to environmental factors such as:
- Excessive screen time and near work
- Reduced time spent outdoors
- Early onset before age 10
The earlier a child develops short-sightedness, the more likely it is to worsen over time, increasing the risk of future eye complications.
What Causes Myopia?
It is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors.
- Genetics: If one or both parents are short-sighted, the likelihood of a child developing short-sightedness increases.
- Lifestyle: Limited exposure to natural light and excessive time spent focusing on close-up tasks like reading or using tablets may contribute to eye elongation – the primary cause of myopia.
While we can’t change genetics, we can manage lifestyle risk factors and monitor progression closely.
Signs and Symptoms of Myopia
Short-sightedness can develop gradually, so it’s important to recognise the signs early. You or your child may be experiencing it if you notice:
- Blurred vision when looking at distant objects (e.g. TV, classroom board)
- Frequent squinting to see clearly
- Headaches or eye strain, particularly after reading
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night
- Holding books or screens unusually close to the face
- Eye rubbing or blinking excessively
- Struggling academically due to vision issues
If these symptoms are familiar, it’s time to book a comprehensive eye test.
Long-Term Impact of Untreated Myopia
Mild short-sightedness may seem manageable with glasses, but if left unchecked, it can progress and lead to higher levels of short-sightedness. High myopia is associated with serious long-term risks, including:
- Retinal detachment
- Glaucoma
- Early cataracts
- Myopic macular degeneration
That’s why early diagnosis and monitoring are essential – especially during a child’s key growth years.
How is Myopia Diagnosed?
It is diagnosed during a standard eye test. Your optometrist will assess your visual clarity, eye health, and refraction level. In children, we may also use tools like axial length measurements, which allow us to monitor how the eye is growing and predict whether myopia is likely to worsen over time.
These insights help optometrists and parents decide on the most appropriate course of action – whether its lifestyle changes or a more structured treatment plan.
Want to Learn About Treatment Options?
If you or your child has been diagnosed with myopia, there are clinically proven ways to reduce its progression – from specialised spectacle lenses to contact lenses and eye drops.
Explore Myopia Management in Adelaide
Learn how our optometrists support families with personalised myopia control plans, including MiyoSmart and MiSight lenses, Ortho-K, and more.
Further Reading
Conclusion
Myopia is increasingly common – especially in children – but with the right knowledge and timely action, its impact can be reduced. Understanding the signs, causes, and long-term risks of short-sightedness is the first step toward protecting lifelong vision.
If you’re concerned about your child’s eyesight, our team at Adelaide City Optometrist is here to guide you through the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Short-Sightedness the same as myopia?
Yes, it means the same thing! Short-sightedness is a term to explain it in plain english.
What age should my child start myopia control?
The earlier, the better! It often starts between ages 6-12. Starting treatment early can significantly slow its progression.
Can myopia be cured?
It cannot be completely cured, but it can be effectively managed with treatments like Ortho-K, control glasses, and atropine eye drops to slow progression.
Are Ortho-K lenses safe for children?
Yes, Ortho-K lenses are safe for children when used under professional guidance. They are a non-surgical and reversible option for control of short-sightedness.
How effective are myopia control glasses?
Lenses such as the MiyoSmart, can slow progression by up to 60%, depending on individual response.
Does screen time affect myopia?
Yes, excessive near work (such as prolonged screen time) is linked to increased short-sightedness risk. Encouraging breaks and more outdoor activities can help.
How often should myopia be monitored?
Children with short-sightedness should have eye check-ups every 6-12 months to track progression and adjust treatment if necessary.