# What is Myopia? What are Symptoms, Treatment Methods?

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/eye-diseases/what-is-myopia

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-04

> **Summary:** In myopia (short-sightedness) the eyeball is usually longer than normal or the cornea too curved, so light focuses in front of the retina and distant objects look blurred. It usually begins in childhood or adolescence and is corrected with glasses, contact lenses, laser eye surgery or artificial lens implants; in children its progression can be slowed.

## Quick Facts
- **Typical onset:** Often between the ages of 6 and 13
- **Laser age limit:** 18 years, with no prescription change in the last 1 year; for people over 45, lens options are also considered
- **High-risk degree:** 6 dioptres and above (risk of retinal tear, detachment, glaucoma)
- **Slowing progression in children:** Low-dose atropine drops, myopia control glasses or contact lenses, more time outdoors

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## Why Does Myopia Occur?
The cornea and the lens focus light onto the retina. In myopia the eyeball is longer or the cornea more curved than normal, so light focuses in front of the retina and distant objects blur.

## Risk Factors
- **Genetics:** Higher risk if one parent is myopic, even higher if both are.
- **Excessive close work:** Long reading, writing or computer work without resting the eyes.
- **Environment:** Spending little time outdoors increases risk.

## Symptoms in Adults
- Blurred distant objects
- Partly closing the eyelids to see clearly
- Tired eyes and headaches
- Unclear distance vision while driving and difficulty seeing at night

## Symptoms in Children
- Squinting to see in the distance
- Sitting close to the board, screen or television
- Seeming unaware of distant objects
- Frequent eye rubbing, excessive blinking
- Difficulty reading the board and losing interest in lessons

## Treatment
- **Glasses and contact lenses:** Among the most preferred; glasses usually come first, lenses give a clearer image but need precautions. The page notes they are more expensive in the long term than other methods.
- **Laser eye surgery:** Reshapes only the cornea (not the eyeball) so light focuses on the retina. Not for children, whose eyes are still developing. Age limit 18 years, stable prescription for the last 1 year; over 45, lens options are also considered.
- **Artificial lens implants:** Permanently implanted to correct focusing.
- **Corneal rings (INTACS):** Plastic rings that reshape the cornea; today used mostly for keratoconus. For myopia, laser and ICL are preferred.

## How Far Can Myopic People See?
Blur depends on the degree: low myopes see medium distances, while in high myopia everything except close objects is blurred.

## Risky Degree
Myopia of 6 dioptres and above is considered dangerous; regular checks are needed because of the risk of retinal tear, detachment or glaucoma.

## Can the Degree Be Reduced?
Not naturally. In children, progression can be slowed with low-dose atropine drops, special myopia control glasses or contact lenses and more daylight time outdoors; regular check-ups guide the choice. For permanent correction, laser eye treatment is recommended.

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## References
- Nearsightedness (Myopia), NEI
- Nearsightedness: What Is Myopia?, AAO