Myopia: Frequently Asked Questions
More kids than ever before are becoming nearsighted. In fact, if current trends continue, half of the world's population will be nearsighted by the year 2050.
And when kids experience myopia progression year after year, this can cause a condition called high myopia, which increases the risk of serious eye problems such as retinal detachment, cataracts and glaucoma later in life.
Find out more about myopia — and what can be done about it — by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions (FAQ) about nearsightedness.
Myopia FAQ
Definition of myopia
- What is myopia?
- What is myopia control?
- What does 'nearsighted' mean?
- What's another name for nearsightedness?
- Is nearsightedness common?
- Is being nearsighted genetic?
Causes and symptoms
- What causes nearsightedness?
- What are myopia symptoms?
- Can being nearsighted cause headaches?
- What's the difference between nearsightedness and farsightedness?
- Can a person be nearsighted in one eye and farsighted in the other?
- What is progressive myopia?
- What is high myopia?
- Is myopia a disease?
- Is myopia a disability?
Myopia treatment
- Can myopia lead to blindness?
- Is nearsightedness reversible?
- Can myopia be cured?
- What methods can be used to correct myopia?
- What type of lens is used to correct nearsightedness?
What to do
To make sure you child's vision is developing properly, schedule eye exams at 6 months of age, again at age 3, and again when she starts school.
Thereafter, annual eye exams are recommended throughout the school years. This is especially important for kids who have a family history of myopia or are showing signs and symptoms of nearsightedness — such as squinting and complaining of headaches later in the day.
Don't take chances — If it's been a year or longer since your child's last eye exam, schedule one today with an eye doctor near you.
About the Author: Gary Heiting, OD, is senior editor of AllAboutVision.com. Dr. Heiting has more than 30 years of experience as an eye care provider, health educator and consultant to the eyewear industry. His special interests include nearsightedness, myopia control, and the effects of blue light on the eye.
Page updated December 2018
