What Is Myopia (Nearsightedness)?

Myopia is the medical term for nearsightedness, a word you’ve probably heard more often. Being medically myopic, or nearsighted, means that you can see clearly when looking at objects nearby, but you can’t see far-away objects as well.

Scientists estimate that by 2050, half of the world—about 4.75 billion people—will have myopia. This eye condition is the most common cause of distance-related vision problems.

What Does It Mean To Have Myopia?

Myopia is a kind of refractive error—an eye disorder that affects the way light refracts within the eye.

In an eye without myopia, light is focused onto the surface of the retina, and an image is conveyed to the brain via the optic nerve.

An eye with myopia has a bit of trouble focusing light in the same way. That’s because a myopic eye is typically elongated rather than resembling a perfect sphere. Or, its cornea may be a bit more steeply curved than normal.

These aspects of a nearsighted eye cause light to focus on a point in front of the retina rather than directly on it. And the light that doesn’t hit the retina produces an unclear image in the brain.

Myopia Symptoms

Many people with myopia discover they have it when it becomes difficult to make out writing on a blackboard or read signs from far away. The following symptoms could indicate nearsightedness:

  • Blurred vision when trying to discern faraway objects or writing
  • A need to squint to make your vision temporarily clearer
  • Eye strain and eye fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Increased vision impairment at night

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to get your eyes checked by a professional. They’ll be able to tell you whether you have myopia and, if so, how to correct it.