Condition

Short-sightedness (myopia)

Medical reviewer Mr Mohamed Mohyudin, Consultant Ophthalmic SurgeonArticle reviewed

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Short-sightedness at a glance

Side-view diagram of the eye with the cornea and lens highlighted: the parts of the eye involved in short-sightedness.
Where it affects the eye: Cornea and lens. Simplified side view of the eye. It shows location, not how severe a condition is.
Part of the eye
Cornea and lens
Common signs
  • Difficulty seeing distant objects such as road signs or the board
  • Screwing up the eyes or squinting to see far away
  • Headaches or tired eyes
  • Children sitting close to the screen or struggling at school
Medical code (ICD-10)
H52.1

What is short-sightedness (myopia)?

Short-sightedness, or myopia, happens when the eye focuses light just in front of the retina instead of on it, usually because the eyeball is slightly too long or the cornea is too curved. It often starts in childhood and can progress as a child grows.

Symptoms of short-sightedness

Signs are often noticed at school or while driving.

  • Difficulty seeing distant objects such as road signs or the board
  • Screwing up the eyes or squinting to see far away
  • Headaches or tired eyes
  • Children sitting close to the screen or struggling at school

What causes short-sightedness, and who is at risk?

Short-sightedness tends to run in families. In children, a lot of close-up work and limited time outdoors may contribute to it developing or progressing.

How is short-sightedness treated?

Glasses or contact lenses correct the focus for clear distance vision. Laser or lens-based refractive surgery is an option for suitable adults. In children, specific approaches known as myopia management may help slow how quickly it progresses.

Treatments & Surgery

Laser eye surgeryReshapes the cornea to correct focus and reduce the need for glasses in suitable adults.Orthokeratology (ortho-k)Special overnight contact lenses that reshape the cornea for clear daytime vision without glasses.Myopia controlTreatments to slow short-sightedness progression in children, including ortho-k, atropine drops and outdoor time.

Frequently asked questions

Can short-sightedness be cured?

It is corrected rather than cured. Glasses and contact lenses give clear vision, and laser surgery can be an option for suitable adults.

Does screen time cause short-sightedness?

A lot of close-up work and less time outdoors may contribute in children. Encouraging regular outdoor time is thought to help reduce the risk.

Will my short-sightedness get worse?

Myopia often progresses during childhood and the teenage years, then tends to stabilise in adulthood. Regular eye tests keep your correction up to date.

Your next step

Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

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Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

Sources for this information

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