Myopia-- Eye Refractory Error

Myopia (Nearsightedness)

updated Nov 27, 2014

A person with myopia is said to be nearsighted, because they can see objects that are up close, but have trouble seeing images or objects that are far away. Although myopia is generally a mild and manageable condition, severe myopia can trigger much more serious eye problems and can potentially lead to blindness. Learn more about myopia by reading the sections below.

Myopia is a type of refractive error that usually presents itself in children of about eight to twelve years old. Signs that a child may be nearsighted include squinting, difficulty seeing objects at a distance, and holding books or other objects very close to the face. Occasionally, a person with myopia may have headaches or eyestrain from the effort of trying to focus.

Cause of Myopia
Although theories abound as to what behaviors may trigger or worsen myopia, it is generally accepted within the medical community that nearsightedness is an inherited trait. Nearsighted people have eyes that are elongated or corneas that are more steeply curved than those of the average person, causing incoming light to focus at a point in front of the retina, rather than on it. This type of refractive error is most commonly found in those who have a direct relative with the same condition.