Nearsightedness is a condition where objects in the distance appear out of focus. It is a common reason for blurred vision, says the staff at Inland Eye Institute in Rancho Cucamonga. Nearsightedness (also called myopia) is not a disease. Nearsighted people might squint when trying to see objects at a distance.
Teachers commonly notice children with vision problems when they see them squinting at the chalkboard or whiteboard, resulting in an eye exam and some form of vision correction. Nearsightedness often begins in childhood between ages 6 and 12. During the teen years, as the eyeballs continue to grow, it may develop slowly or get worse quickly. By age 20, myopia usually stabilizes and stops getting worse.
The nearsighted eye is usually longer than a normal eye. Its cornea could also be steeper. When light passes through the cornea and lens, it is focused in front of the retina, making distant images appear blurry.
While contacts and glasses are the most common form of correction for nearsightedness, there are several refractive surgery solutions available to correct nearly all levels of nearsightedness. Most myopia patients report good results from refractive surgery. The risk of complications from LASIK surgery is low and decreases with a more experienced surgeon. If you are interested in this option, please contact our office at for a consultation.
