What Is Myopia and How Does It Affect Your Vision?

   If you’ve ever found yourself squinting to see a street sign, struggling to read the whiteboard in class, or holding objects closer to your face to see them clearly, you may be experiencing myopia, also known as nearsightedness.

As an optometrist, I see patients every day who are either living with undiagnosed myopia or aren’t fully aware of what it means for their long-term eye health. Myopia is more than just “blurry distance vision”—it’s a progressive eye condition that can impact your daily life, long-term eye health, and overall quality of vision if left untreated.

   In this guide, I’ll walk you through what myopia is, how it affects your vision, what causes it, and most importantly, what you can do to manage it effectively.



What Is Myopia?
   Myopia is a common refractive error that makes distant objects appear blurry while close objects remain clear. This happens when the eye grows too long from front to back (axial length) or when the cornea is too curved. As a result, light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it, creating blurred distance vision.

It’s one of the most common eye conditions worldwide, and its prevalence is rising—especially among children and young adults. According to the American Optometric Association, over 40% of Americans have myopia, and the numbers are increasing due to lifestyle changes and increased screen use.

How Does Myopia Affect Your Vision?

People with myopia typically notice symptoms such as:
 
  • Blurry vision when looking at distant objects (road signs, classroom boards, TV screens)
  • Frequent squinting or eye strain
  • Headaches, especially after reading or screen use
  • Difficulty seeing clearly at night (night myopia)

In children, untreated myopia can often present as:
 
  • Sitting too close to the TV or holding books too close
  • Complaints of not being able to see the board at school
  • Struggling with sports or activities that require clear distance vision

Myopia not only affects clarity of vision, but it can also impact academic performance, work productivity, sports performance, and overall confidence.

Why Is Myopia Becoming More Common?

   Over the last few decades, myopia rates have skyrocketed, particularly among children. Research suggests two major contributing factors:
 
Increased screen time and near work
Spending extended hours on smartphones, tablets, or computers puts the eyes under strain, especially in young, developing eyes.

Reduced time outdoors
Natural sunlight helps regulate healthy eye growth. Children who spend less time outdoors are at a higher risk of developing myopia.

   This makes myopia not just a genetic condition but also a modern lifestyle condition.
   Is Myopia Dangerous?

   Mild myopia can usually be corrected easily with glasses or contact lenses, but progressive or high myopia (very strong prescriptions) can increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as:
 
  • Glaucoma
  • Cataracts
  • Retinal detachment
  • Myopic macular degeneration

This is why early detection and management are so important—especially in children whose vision is still developing.

How Is Myopia Treated?

   The good news is that myopia can be managed effectively with several options:

Glasses or Contact Lenses
The most common and immediate way to correct myopia. These lenses bend light so it focuses directly on the retina, restoring clear distance vision.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Specialty contact lenses worn overnight that temporarily reshape the cornea. When removed in the morning, they provide clear vision during the day without glasses or contacts.

Myopia Control Treatments
In children, there are specific treatments to slow the progression of myopia, such as:
 
  • Low-dose atropine eye drops
  • Multifocal contact lenses
  • Specialized spectacle lenses designed for myopia control

LASIK or Refractive Surgery
For adults, surgical options can permanently correct myopia by reshaping the cornea.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Vision

   If you or your child have myopia, here are steps you can take today to protect long-term eye health:
 
  • Schedule regular eye exams – Early detection is key. Children should have annual exams, and adults should be checked every 1–2 years, or more often if recommended.
  • Limit screen time – Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
  • Spend time outdoors – Encourage at least 1–2 hours of outdoor activity daily for children.
  • Follow your treatment plan – Whether it’s glasses, contacts, or myopia control therapy, consistency is key.

Don’t Ignore Myopia

   Myopia isn’t just about blurry vision—it’s about protecting long-term eye health and quality of life. Whether you’re a parent noticing changes in your child’s vision or an adult struggling with distance clarity, the best step you can take is scheduling a comprehensive eye exam.

As an optometrist in Cypress, TX, my goal is to provide more than just clear vision—I want to give you peace of mind knowing your eyes are healthy today and protected for the future.

 Schedule your comprehensive eye exam today and discover the best options to manage myopia for you or your child.