Myopia

Do road signs look blurred while you can read your phone perfectly? Myopia could be the cause. Here is what you need to know about this very common vision problem.

What myopia is

Myopia (short-sightedness) is a vision problem that makes it difficult to see distant objects clearly, while near vision remains sharp. It is a bit like a video camera with the zoom stuck on close-up.

How does myopia develop?

• The eye is longer than normal
• Images form in front of the retina instead of on it
• Spending a lot of time on close work (screens, books) and little time outdoors is associated with its onset and progression, especially in children

Main symptoms of myopia

• Difficulty reading road signs or distant writing
• Blurred vision while driving
• Needing to squint to focus
• Headaches from visual effort
• Good vision of near objects

Degrees of myopia

Mild myopia (from -0.25 to -3.00 dioptres): limited symptoms, easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

Moderate myopia (from -3.25 to -6.00 dioptres): correction is needed for everyday activities.

High myopia (over -6.00 dioptres): requires regular check-ups with an ophthalmologist too, because it is associated with a higher risk of retinal problems.

How myopia is corrected

1. Glasses

• Thin, light diverging lenses, even for high myopia
• Anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coatings

2. Contact lenses

• Daily or monthly, in silicone hydrogel
• Toric lenses for those who also have astigmatism

3. Myopia in children

• Lenses designed specifically for myopia control, such as Essilor Stellest

4. Other options

• Orthokeratology (overnight contact lenses)
• Laser refractive surgery, for selected cases and always assessed by an ophthalmologist

Practical tips

• Always drive with your correction
• Take regular breaks when using screens or reading for long periods
• For children, more time outdoors during the day
• Use adequate lighting for reading
• See an ophthalmologist every year
• Update your correction when your vision changes

20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes of close work, take a 20-second break looking into the distance, at least 6 metres (20 feet) away.

Frequently asked questions about myopia

Does myopia get worse with age?
It usually increases during growth and tends to stabilise in adulthood, but it should be monitored over time.

Can children be short-sighted?
Yes, it often appears at school age. That is why it is important to have children's eyes checked regularly.

How often should I have check-ups?
A visit to the ophthalmologist every year is recommended. If myopia is increasing, especially in children, it is worth checking the correction more often.

Do blue light filter lenses stop myopia?
No: they can make screen use more comfortable, but they do not slow myopia. For children there are lenses designed specifically for myopia control.