.Myopia :: What is myopia? Myopia is also known as shortsightedness or near sightedness, is a condition where distant objects appear blurry. A myopic person may have good vision at close range but will usually experience difficulties seeing detail or objects that are far away.
		Far objects are blurry for nearsighted people

:: How does myopia affect us?

A person who has developed myopia may experience:

:: Does a shortsighted person see close objects more clearly than a person with normal vision?

No. Shortsighted see close objects see4 close objects equally as well or often slightly worse.

:: Who develops shortsightedness?

Anyone can develop myopia at any age, however most cases of people developing myopia occur between the ages of 10 -30 with a high prevalence in teenage years. It is estimated that 15% of the Australian population has some degree of myopia.

:: What causes myopia?

There is no exact answer to this question. There is believed to be a genetic component(myopia can run in families), and an environmental component, related to the amount of reading and near work undertaken.

With myopia, light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina. This occurs because either the eye has grown too long, or the focusing components of the eye are too strong.

Normally , light enters the eye and focuses perfectly onto the back of the eye (the retina). People with mopia the light focuses infront of the retina and causes the image that should fall on the retina to be blurred. Hence distance vision is blurred.

The myopic eye is longer than normal. Incoming light focuses in front of, instead of directly on, the retina.

:: Can shortsightedness be cured?

At this stage, No. Howver there are continuous research working on ways to slow or prevent the development of myopia.

:: What should I do if I think I have shortsightedness?

You need to have your eyes checked with us, at The Eyestore that is Medicare Bulk Billed. Referrels are not required to come and see us. Our optometrist will advise you if you have developed myopia and will be able to recommend the best form of treatment if required.

:: What options do I have if I am shortsighted?

The safest and easiest option for a shortsighted person is glasses. Contact lenses are also very popular with shortsighted people, and recently laser eye surgery has becoming an attractive option.