Myopia (Short-sightedness)

Myopia is also known as short-sightedness and is a refractive condition, which causes blurred distance vision. Myopia develops as a result of the visual image being focused in front of the retina rather than directly on it. Myopia is caused by the eyeball being too long or the focusing power of the eye being too strong.

Symptoms of myopia include squinting, as well as blurred distance vision. This may be more obvious when viewing the television or trying to read signs while driving.

While the exact cause of myopia is unknown, it is believed to be a combination of nature (genetics) and nurture (environment). Repeated near work i.e. reading, computer and device use has been shown to increase the risk of developing myopia.