About this topic
Nearsighted means that you see things better that are close up. Objects that are far away look blurry. The problem can be mild or severe. Often, this problem is first found when a child starts school. The child may have trouble reading the blackboard. Eyesight may get worse during the growing years. This means glasses or contact lenses may change often. ‚
What are the causes?
Nearsightedness is caused by a problem within the eye. With this problem, light rays are not focused clearly on the back part of the eye. This is the retina. The light rays focus in front of it. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
A family history of nearsightedness can make you more likely to have this eye problem. Adults may be more at risk doing work that causes lots of eye strain. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Blurred eyesight
- Squinting to see things that are far away
- Eye strain
- Headache
- Trouble seeing at night. This is called night myopia.
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an eye exam. The doctor will check your eyes to see how well they focus light. Your doctor may a shine light in your eyes. The doctor will have you look through different lenses. This will tell the doctor what correction is needed to help you see more clearly. The doctor may need to put drops in your eyes during the testing. ‚
The doctor may order: ‚
- Slit lamp exam
- Test to measure eye pressure
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Your doctor will talk with you about the results of your eye exam. If you are nearsighted, you will need to wear glasses or contact lenses to correct this problem. ‚
Some people choose to have eye surgery. This type of surgery is called refractive surgery. LASIK is one example that is often done to treat this problem. Sometimes, new lenses may be implanted in the eye. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
Signs in someone with diabetes could mean blood sugar levels are changing. Signs could also point to a cataract. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Keep health problems like low blood sugar or high blood pressure under control.
- Protect your eyes from the sun. Wear sunglasses that block ultraviolet rays.
- Use good lighting.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Glaucoma
- Problems with retina
- Less quality of life
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There is no way to prevent this problem. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Sudden eyesight loss
- Trouble seeing things clearly
- You see flashing light or have floating spots
- You see halos around lights
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Ophthalmology ‚
http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/myopia.cfm ‚
National Eye Institute ‚
http://www.nei.nih.gov/healthyeyes/myopia.asp ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/short-sightedness/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚