What Is Myopia?

Short-sightedness: most common vision problem

Myopia is one of the most common problems that people have with their vision. Find out more about myopia below.

What is myopia?

Myopia is the scientific word for short-sightedness. This means that when you look at distant objects they will appear out of focus, whereas close objects will be in focus. The level of myopia you have will determine how blurry objects are.

In Australia it is estimated that nearly 20 per cent of people have myopia - so if you have it, you won’t be alone!

Myopia is caused when light that enters the eye doesn’t quite reach the back where the retina is, which causes the blurriness. This can be caused by a variety of reasons, but for most people it is simply genetic.

There is no way of preventing myopia, but having regular optometrist check-ups will keep it well managed.

How is myopia diagnosed?

Myopia is diagnosed during an eye exam with your optometrist. Your optometrist will use a variety of tests to determine whether you have myopia, then once it has been diagnosed they will use a phoropter (the funny looking glasses) to work out the level of your myopia.

How is myopia treated?

Most cases of myopia are easily treated through the use of corrective lenses - either glasses or contact lenses. Your optometrist will give you a prescription for glasses and if you choose to have contact lenses, you will need to attend a separate fitting.

Laser surgery is also an option for some patients, you can discuss this with your optometrist.

It is important that you visit your Toowoomba optometrist at least every two years as prescriptions can change over time, so you may not be maintaining the best vision possible.