In myopia, the eye is too powerful for its length, or more simply, the eye is slightly longer than average or the cornea too steep. Light entering the eye is therefore focused in front of the retina instead of directly on it. As a result, distance vision is blurred.
The degree of myopia can range from mild to very high. Mild myopia may simply be an inconvenience, while higher levels can significantly affect daily activities and carry a greater lifetime risk of certain retinal conditions.
The hallmark symptom of myopia is blurred distance vision. People often report difficulty reading road signs, recognising faces across a room, or seeing clearly during meetings or lectures. Children may sit closer to the television or hold objects close to their face.
Eye strain, squinting, and headaches can occur, particularly when trying to see distant objects for long periods. Near vision, such as reading or phone use, is typically comfortable without glasses in mild to moderate myopia.
Myopia results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Having one or both parents with myopia increases the likelihood that a child will become myopic. Environmental influences, such as prolonged near work and limited time spent outdoors, are thought to contribute, especially during childhood and adolescence when the eye is still growing.
High myopia, where prescriptions are significantly stronger, is associated with a greater risk of retinal thinning, peripheral retinal degeneration, and an increased risk of retinal detachment, making regular eye examinations particularly important.
Myopia is diagnosed through standard vision testing and refraction. The prescription is measured to quantify the degree of short sight. In higher myopia, imaging of the retina and sometimes measurement of eye length help assess structural changes and long-term risk.
Children and young adults with progressive myopia benefit from regular monitoring to track changes in prescription over time.
A specialist assessment is advisable if myopia is high, increasing rapidly, or associated with symptoms such as flashes, floaters, or shadows in the vision, which may signal retinal issues. Adults who are considering refractive surgery or ICL surgery should also be evaluated in a specialist setting.
Parents may wish to seek specialist advice if a child’s myopia is progressing quickly or if there is a strong family history of high myopia.
Macula Hole / VMT Surgery is a precise retinal procedure that removes traction, closes macula holes, and restores central vision. With modern micro-incision techniques, the procedure offers excellent success rates and significant visual improvement for most patients.
Epiretinal membrane surgery removes scar tissue from the macula to reduce distortion and improve central vision. It is a safe, advanced retinal procedure with strong success rates and gradual, long-term visual improvement.
A Secondary Lens Implant, or Piggyback Lens Surgery, is a safe and precise way to correct residual refractive error after cataract surgery. By adding a customised lens in front of your existing implant, it restores sharp, balanced vision with minimal recovery time.
Blended Vision LASIK restores natural near and distance sight by carefully reshaping each cornea for different focal points. It’s a safe, precise, and long-lasting laser solution to reading vision loss after 40.
LASEK Eye Surgery corrects blurred vision by reshaping the cornea’s surface without cutting a flap. It’s ideal for thin or dry eyes, offering clear, comfortable, long-term vision through safe, flap-free laser precision.
LASIK Eye Surgery uses cutting-edge laser precision to reshape the cornea and correct vision problems such as short-sight, long-sight, and astigmatism. It’s quick, comfortable, and delivers life-changing clarity within hours.
