Eye · Concern
Nearsightedness: Causes and Treatment Options
Nearsightedness, or myopia, is when close-up objects look clear but distant objects are blurry. It happens when the shape of the eye makes light focus in front of the retina instead of on it. Nearsightedness is a common eye focusing disorder, and glasses or contact lenses can correct it. Some adults can also have surgery.
What Are the Signs of Nearsightedness?
The most common signs are:
- Trouble seeing things far away, such as road signs
- Needing to squint to see clearly
- Eye strain, when your eyes feel tired or sore
Some people get headaches, but this is less common. If your nearsightedness is mild, you may not notice any signs, and young children might not complain about blurry vision. This is why regular eye exams are important.
What Causes Nearsightedness?
To see clearly, the cornea and lens at the front of the eye focus light on the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. With nearsightedness, the eyeball is too long from front to back, or the cornea or lens has a shape that makes light focus in front of the retina. This makes far-away objects look blurry.
Anyone can be nearsighted, but you are more likely to be if family members are nearsighted too.
Does Nearsightedness Get Worse?
It can, while you are growing. Nearsightedness usually starts between ages 6 and 14 and gets worse until your early twenties, so you may need new glasses or contact lenses often during these years. Between the ages of 20 and 40, there is usually little change.
When to See an Eye Doctor About Nearsightedness
An eye doctor can check for nearsightedness as part of a comprehensive eye exam, which is simple and painless. Make an appointment if any of these sounds familiar.
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Can Nearsightedness Be Prevented or Slowed?
Studies show that more time outdoors in natural light lowers a child's risk. For children whose nearsightedness is getting worse, an eye doctor may suggest special contact lenses or eye drops that can slow it, and decides whether they are right for your child.
Treatment Options for Nearsightedness
The most common treatments are glasses and contact lenses, which your eye doctor prescribes. Surgery is not required, but some adults choose it to reduce their need for glasses or contact lenses. Surgery isn’t right for everyone, for example if you are under 18 or your prescription changed in the past year, so an eye surgeon examines your eyes first.
Based on our research of published clinic prices, checked October 2026. Your coordinator gives you a personal quote.
Nearsightedness: Frequently Asked Questions
Will wearing glasses make my nearsightedness worse?
No. Glasses and contact lenses do not affect how nearsightedness progresses. They focus light so you can see distant objects clearly.
Does nearsightedness go away?
No, it does not go away on its own, but glasses, contact lenses or surgery can correct your vision.
What do the numbers on my prescription mean?
With nearsightedness, your prescription is a negative number, such as -3.00. The higher the number, the stronger the lenses. Less than 3 diopters is mild, 3 to 6 is moderate, and more than 6 is severe, also called high myopia.
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Sources
Nearsightedness (Myopia)
National Eye Institute · nei.nih.gov
Nearsightedness: What Is Myopia?
American Academy of Ophthalmology · aao.org
Nearsightedness
MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine · medlineplus.gov
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Cleveland Clinic · clevelandclinic.org
When is LASIK not for me?
U.S. Food and Drug Administration · fda.gov
What are phakic lenses?
U.S. Food and Drug Administration · fda.gov
