If you or your child is experiencing symptoms of myopia or you want to explore treatment options, My Health Assistant is here to help. We connect you with experienced health professionals near me, including optometrists and ophthalmologists. Visit www.myha.co.uk, enter your symptoms and location, and book your appointment securely and conveniently online.
Myopia, also known as short-sightedness, is a common condition where close objects are seen clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. It occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, or when the cornea (the eye’s front surface) is too curved. This causes light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Myopia often begins in childhood and can worsen with age, but it can be managed effectively with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery.
Signs and symptoms of myopia typically include:
Blurred vision when looking at distant objects
Squinting to see clearly
Eye strain or headaches, especially after trying to focus on distant objects
Difficulty seeing while driving, especially at night (night myopia)
Holding books or screens very close to the eyes
Sitting closer to the television or the front of the classroom
Early detection is important to prevent worsening vision and related complications.
The development of myopia involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors:
Genetic predisposition – having one or both parents with myopia increases risk
Prolonged near work – such as reading, computer use, or screen time
Lack of outdoor activities – studies suggest less time outdoors may contribute
Eye growth abnormalities – elongation of the eyeball during childhood or adolescence
Preventive measures, like spending more time outdoors, may help reduce the risk of myopia progression in children.
You should consult an eye care professional if you or your child:
Notice difficulty seeing distant objects clearly
Experience frequent headaches or eye strain
Need to move closer to screens or whiteboards to see properly
Show signs of declining school performance due to vision issues
Have a family history of myopia and want early screening
Regular eye exams are crucial for detecting and managing myopia effectively.
Several types of eye care professionals can diagnose and manage myopia, including:
Optometrists – for vision testing, glasses, and contact lens prescriptions
Ophthalmologists – for medical management and surgical options
Orthoptists – for visual therapy, particularly in children
Paediatric ophthalmologists – specialising in childhood myopia
Optical dispensers – for fitting glasses and lenses
Searching for health professionals near me to address myopia? My Health Assistant can help you connect with trusted local specialists.
If left untreated, myopia can lead to:
Increased risk of eye strain and headaches
Difficulty in daily activities such as driving or sports
Higher risk of eye diseases – including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration, especially with high myopia
Poor academic or work performance due to impaired vision
Managing myopia early can help prevent complications and maintain quality of life.
Management of myopia focuses on improving vision and slowing progression, and may include:
Corrective lenses:
Prescription glasses or contact lenses to focus light correctly onto the retina
Myopia control treatments:
Specialised contact lenses (e.g., orthokeratology or multifocal lenses)
Atropine eye drops to slow progression in children
Refractive surgery:
LASIK, PRK, or SMILE procedures to reshape the cornea and correct vision (for suitable adults)
Lifestyle changes:
Increasing outdoor activities
Reducing prolonged near work and taking regular screen breaks
A tailored approach based on age, lifestyle, and severity is essential for best outcomes.
Myopia is a common and manageable condition that affects the ability to see distant objects clearly. With early diagnosis, appropriate vision correction, and proactive management, many of the risks associated with worsening myopia can be reduced. My Health Assistant makes it easy to connect with trusted health professionals near me to support your or your child’s eye health. Book your eye care appointment today at www.myha.co.uk.
