Short-Sightedness (Myopia)
MYOPIA, OR SHORT-SIGHT, CAUSES DISTANT OBJECTS TO APPEAR BLURRED WHILE NEAR VISION REMAINS CLEAR. LEARN WHAT CAUSES MYOPIA, HOW IT PROGRESSES, AND HOW IT CAN BE MANAGED OR CORRECTED THROUGH MODERN EYE CARE.
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What a great experience! Very reassuring and I am very grateful for the consultation from Dr Musa he was so helpful in helping me make a decision to proceed to having eye correction surgery. I have the upmost confidence in him and the team at the Eye Doctor Clinic, Huddersfield.
Lozza 747I had implants with Dr Musa ten years ago. It was the best thing I've ever done. They are brilliant. My sight both near and distant was very poor but since the op I've had no glasses no lenses and my sight has been super. It remains really good to this day. Thank you Dr Musa. Brilliant consultations and treatment for glaucoma since.
Kay FitbitI can highly recommend the Eye Doctor Clinic, and I am so pleased I went there. Dr Musa, Gemma and Jess are lovely. They are very knowledgeable and were able to answer all my questions. My vision following surgery is great, and not having to wear glasses is fantastic.
Carol PeelWhat Is Short-Sightedness (Myopia)?
In short-sightedness, the eye is too powerful for its length, 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, causing distance vision to appear blurred while near vision remains clear.
The degree of short-sightedness can range from mild to very high. Mild short-sightedness may simply be an inconvenience, while higher levels can significantly affect daily activities and carry a greater lifetime risk of certain retinal conditions.
Short-Sightedness (Myopia) is one of the most common refractive conditions worldwide and its prevalence is increasing, particularly in younger generations. It typically develops during childhood or adolescence and may continue to progress until the mid-twenties when the eye has finished growing.
In low to moderate short-sightedness, glasses or contact lenses provide excellent correction. In high short-sightedness, where prescriptions are significantly stronger, there is a greater risk of associated retinal changes, making regular specialist monitoring important.
Recognising the Signs
The hallmark symptom of short-sightedness is blurred distance vision. Here is what to look out for in both adults and children.
What Causes Short-Sightedness (Myopia)?
Short-Sightedness (Myopia) results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Both inheritance and lifestyle contribute to its development and progression.
Genetics
Having one or both parents with short-sightedness significantly increases the likelihood of developing the condition
Eye growth
The eye grows slightly too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than on it
Corneal curvature
A steeper than average cornea bends light too strongly, contributing to short-sightedness
Near work
Prolonged close work, reading, and screen use are thought to contribute, particularly during childhood and adolescence
Limited outdoor time
Reduced time outdoors during childhood is associated with faster short-sightedness progression
High short-sightedness
Associated with greater risk of retinal thinning, peripheral degeneration, and retinal detachment
How Short-Sightedness (Myopia) Is Diagnosed
Short-Sightedness (Myopia) is diagnosed through standard vision testing and refraction. The prescription is measured to quantify the degree of short sight. In higher short-sightedness, imaging of the retina and sometimes measurement of eye length help assess structural changes and long-term risk.
Vision testing
Visual acuity is measured at distance using a standard eye chart to identify and quantify the degree of blurring.
Refraction
Lenses are used to determine the exact prescription required to bring distance vision to its sharpest level.
Retinal examination
In higher short-sightedness, the retina is examined for signs of thinning, peripheral degeneration, or other structural changes associated with elongated eyes.
Axial length measurement
In progressive or high short-sightedness, measurement of the eye’s axial length helps track changes over time and assess long-term risk.
When to See a Specialist
A specialist assessment is advisable if short-sightedness is high, increasing rapidly, or associated with symptoms such as flashes, floaters, or shadows in the vision , which may signal retinal issues requiring prompt assessment.
Adults considering refractive surgery or implantable contact lens (ICL) surgery should also be evaluated in a specialist setting to confirm suitability and discuss the best option.
“Parents should seek specialist advice if a child's short-sightedness is progressing quickly or if there is a strong family history of high short-sightedness. Early intervention can slow progression and protect long-term vision.”
Short-Sightedness (Myopia) Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the degree of short-sightedness and the patient's age, lifestyle, and goals. These are the options available at the Eye Doctor Clinic.
Refractive Lens Exchange
Replaces the eye's natural lens with a premium intraocular lens to correct short-sightedness. Ideal for patients not suitable for laser surgery, offering a permanent solution that also prevents future cataracts.
Learn moreImplantable Contact Lenses (ICL)
A removable, additive lens implanted behind the iris to correct high levels of short-sightedness. Preserves the natural lens and is an excellent option when corneal laser surgery is not suitable.
Learn moreSecondary Lens Implant (Piggyback Lens Surgery)
Corrects residual short-sightedness or refractive error after cataract surgery by adding a customised lens in front of the existing implant.
Learn moreFrequently Asked Questions
Meet the Team
Where to Find Us
Three convenient locations across West Yorkshire. Visit us for consultations, diagnostics, and treatments.
Bolton
136 – 140 Newport St
Bolton, Greater Manchester
BL3 6AB
Huddersfield
Woodlands, 4 Longbow Close
Huddersfield, HD2 1GQ
Book a Short-Sightedness (Myopia) Assessment
Whether you are considering laser eye surgery, concerned about progression, or experiencing new symptoms such as flashes or floaters, a specialist assessment at the Eye Doctor Clinic is the right next step.
