An introduction to nearsightedness (myopia)
- Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a vision condition in which you can see close objects clearly, but see objects farther away blurred.
- Nearsightedness occurs if the eyeball is too long or the cornea, the clear front cover of the eye, has too much curvature. As a result, the light entering the eye isn’t focused correctly and distant objects look blurred.
- People with nearsightedness can temporarily correct it with glasses or contact lenses. For a more permanent and cost effective solution, myopia laser eye surgery changes the shape of the front part of the eye to cure nearsightedness.
Nearsightedness symptoms and lifestyle impacts
- You may have blurry vision when looking at distant objects
- You may feel the need to squint or partially close the eyelids to see more clearly
- You may experience headaches caused by eyestrain
- You may have difficulty seeing while driving a car and might notice this mainly at night
Causes of nearsightedness
Also known as nearsightedness, myopia happens when the eyeball is too long from front to back, or the eye’s focusing mechanism is too strong. This causes light rays to be focused in front of, rather than on, the retina.
People with myopia have difficulty seeing distant objects. We can correct this refractive abnormality with a minus (negative or concave) lens. The image below illustrates where the light focuses in normal vision and in a nearsighted eye.
Nearsightedness examination in Toronto
Despite it being obvious they need glasses or contact lenses, many people don’t know whether they are farsighted or nearsighted. An eye doctor or eye surgeon can conduct an eye examination to determine if you’re nearsighted.
First, the eye doctor or surgeon will check as you read letters on an eye chart simulating different distances. Then the eye doctor or surgeon will ask you to look through a variety of lenses to correct your vision, progressively making close objects appear more clearly.
Nearsightedness treatment in Toronto
Today, nearsightedness treatment options are no longer limited to prescription eyewear, like eyeglasses and contact lenses — and the lifestyle and occupational constraints they pose. Our doctors have seen and treated countless cases of myopia, always with the goal of providing the best possible quality of life and vision health. Now, you can see at a distance — no matter how far, as much as is possible with the human eye.
We can correct and restore nearsighted vision through these cutting-edge treatments:
- Custom Bladeless LASIK: The most popular myopia treatment, LASIK involves creating flap in the cornea, then using a laser to remove its inner layers and flatten its shape to restore 20/20 vision at a distance.
- Custom PRK: Treats nearsighted vision by removing the epithelium, then uses a laser to reshape the cornea, and allows the epithelium to grow back naturally according to the new shape of your cornea.
- ReLEX Smile: This bladeless and flapless approach is a gentle refractive surgery using only a single femtosecond laser to create a small incision for accessing the cornea and removing lens tissue, resulting in myopia correction.
Myopia treatment offers life-changing benefits that come with being able to see at a distance, and without the constraints of prescription eyewear.
FAQs
How often should I have my eyes checked if I am nearsighted?
At Clearview Vision Institute, we recommend nearsighted individuals have their eyes checked annually. Regular eye exams are essential to monitor vision changes, update prescriptions, and detect potential eye conditions early on. This yearly schedule allows us to provide timely adjustments in corrective measures, ensuring optimal eye health for our patients. However, personalized recommendations may be provided based on individual needs, so we encourage you to follow the guidance of our eye care professionals for the most appropriate examination schedule.
Are there lifestyle changes that can help manage nearsightedness?
Yes, certain lifestyle changes can contribute to the management of nearsightedness. Spending more time outdoors, especially during childhood, has been associated with a lower risk of myopia progression. Implementing the 20-20-20 rule—taking a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes—can reduce eye strain during prolonged periods of near work, such as reading or using digital devices. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper eye care, including regular eye check-ups, can contribute to overall eye health and potentially help manage nearsightedness.
Can excessive screen time worsen nearsightedness?
While excessive screen time itself doesn't directly cause nearsightedness, it may contribute to a condition known as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. Prolonged use of digital devices, such as computers, tablets, and smartphones, can lead to symptoms like eye strain, blurred vision, and headaches. While these symptoms don't cause nearsightedness, they can exacerbate existing vision issues and create discomfort. To alleviate digital eye strain, it's recommended to follow the 20-20-20 rule—take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes—and ensure proper ergonomics and lighting when using screens.
What are the symptoms of nearsightedness?
Nearsightedness, or myopia, is characterized by blurred vision when looking at distant objects. Common symptoms include squinting, eye strain, and headaches, especially after extended periods of focusing on faraway items. If you experience these signs, it's essential to undergo an eye examination to determine the presence of nearsightedness and receive appropriate corrective measures like glasses or contact lenses for clear vision. Regular eye check-ups are recommended for maintaining optimal eye health.
At what age does nearsightedness usually develop?
Nearsightedness, or myopia, typically develops during childhood or adolescence. The onset of myopia can vary among individuals, but it often becomes noticeable between the ages of 6 and 14. The progression of nearsightedness may continue as the eyes grow, usually stabilizing in the late teens or early twenties. Children need to have regular eye exams to monitor their vision and detect any refractive errors like nearsightedness early on.
What is the main cause of myopia?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is caused by a number of different factors including genetics and environment.
Should I wear glasses all the time if I'm nearsighted?
This depends on the amount of myopia and your doctor's recommendation. Consult your eyecare professional for advice
Does too much screen time contribute to myopia?
Research has found that children who spend more time indoors and on screens are more likely to have myopia progression
Is it normal to be nearsighted?
Nearsightedness describes the inability to see distance without corrective lenses. If a person is nearsighted, they can consult their eyecare professional and corrective lenses can be prescribed. Laser Vision Correction is also an option to reduce dependency on corrective lenses for adults with stable prescriptions
It is better to be nearsighted or farsighted?
One is not better than the other. It simply means people with farsightedness can see better for far distances, and people with nearsightedness can see better at near. Corrective lenses or surgery are options to correct both
Dear Dr. Kranemann, Many thanks in the nice, smooth and trouble free cataract surgery you carried out on both my eyes at Clearview Institute. I would like also to extend my thanks to all the staff of clearview. They are efficient, kind hearted and very helpful. J.T.
Dr. Kranemann is exceptionally intelligent and experienced. He is passionate about achieving perfect results for his patients, and proved it by correcting my father’s vision perfectly. We are very happy and grateful and highly recommend Dr. Kranemann. B.A.
Had the new vision correction procedure SMILE. WOW is all I can say. Life without glasses is amazing. Great surgeon and medical staff. Will refer his expertise on to family and friends. D.C.
Book A Free Consultation
