- What is nearsightedness?
- Symptoms of nearsightedness
- What causes nearsightedness?
- Is nearsightedness hereditary?
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What is nearsightedness?
When you are nearsighted, it means you cannot see objects in the distance clearly. The further away an object is, the harder it is to focus on it. The term nearsightedness refers to being able to see objects that are close by clearly. Nearsightedness is also called myopia and is the opposite of farsightedness. When you are nearsighted, you have a minus power, for example -2.75, and when you are farsighted you have a plus power, for example +2.75.
Symptoms of nearsightedness
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People who are nearsighted cannot see distant objects clearly. This often becomes noticeable while driving, playing sports, or in the classroom
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Besides blurred vision, nearsightedness often leads to headaches and tired eyes.
What causes nearsightedness?
Nearsightedness has two different causes:
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An eye that is too long. This means the distance between the front of the eye (cornea) and the back of the eye (retina) is too great. This causes light rays to meet in front of the retina. Another name for this form of nearsightedness is axial myopia.
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A cornea or lens that is too curved. Because light rays are refracted too much, they meet in front of the retina. Another name for this form of nearsightedness is refractive myopia.
Because the focal point of the light rays comes together in front of the retina, this leads to blurry vision.
Is nearsightedness hereditary?
Nearsightedness can be hereditary. For example, children of nearsighted parents are often nearsighted themselves. However, research shows that nearsightedness can be strongly influenced by your lifestyle. Frequent and intensive reading or looking at a screen contributes to the development of nearsightedness, especially in (young) children. Fortunately, there are many solutions for those who are nearsighted, such as contact lenses, glasses, or laser eye surgery.
We are here for you
Do you often find yourself squinting to see clearly from a distance? There is a chance you might be nearsighted. Book an appointment at one of our boutiques for an eye exam.
-Checked by an optometrist-