What Is Short Sightedness?

Shortsightedness and nearsightedness are synonymous terms. The latter is mostly used in the U.S. whereas the first term is generally used in the United Kingdom and Europe. According to Bupa.co.uk, 5 million people in the U.K. are short sighted, and according to Emedicine, about 20 percent of Americans have myopia (near sightedness).

• Shortsighted people see things clearly up close, while distant objects appear blurry.

Identification and Causes

• Most cases of shortsightedness are caused by a change in the eyeball's natural shape. The eyeball normally being round, appears to be an oval shape in shortsighted people. Shortsightedness can also be a cause of changes in the cornea lens. The unnatural changes in the eyes cause light rays that enter them to focus on the front of the retina rather than on the retina directly.

Symptoms

• The main symptom associated with shortsightedness is distorted, blurry vision when trying to focus on distant objects. You may notice at first that you have difficulty seeing when you try to read or watch TV. You may also have trouble focusing on images, and have frequent headaches from eyestrain. When children experience shortsightedness, they may appear to be frowning or squinting when they try to read, watch TV or focus on a chalkboard.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosing shortsightedness is done by using a vision test (eye exam). In this eye test, your eye doctor will ask you several questions about your sight, and then he will physically examine your eyes. He will also perform eye exams that will tell him the cause of your sight problems and pinpoint whether your shortsightedness is mild, moderate or high.

Treatment

• There are currently three corrections for short sightedness: contact lenses, glasses and Lasik surgery. Contact lenses are soft silicone lenses that are roughly the size of your cornea. They correct your sight by shifting the focus point of your retina. You can choose regular clear lenses or cosmetic colored lenses. Eyeglasses can help correct your sight in the same way as contact lenses. Choosing this option may cut down any instances of eye infections that may arise by introducing foreign bodies to your eyes such as contact lenses. Lasik is a surgical operation in which a laser is used to reshape the cornea of the eye, in order to improve vision. This is not a 100 percent solution in all cases, but it may help restore vision in some people.

Prevention

• There is no proven way to prevent shortsightedness. Contrary to old wives' tales, watching television or reading will not cause a loss of sight. There are no FDA-approved cures for shortsightedness.