Eye Care > Common Eye Conditions > Nearsightedness

Nearsightedness

Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a vision problem experienced by nearly one-third of the population. People who are nearsighted have difficulty reading highway signs and seeing other objects at a distance, but can see clearly when performing up-close tasks, such as reading.

Myopia occurs when your eyeball is slightly longer than usual from the front to the back. This causes light rays to focus at a point in front of your retina, rather than directly on its surface. Nearsightedness is hereditary and usually appears in childhood. The problem may stabilize at a certain point, although it occasionally worsens with age. This degeneration is known as myopic creep.

Nearsightedness is correctable with eyeglasses, contact lenses, corneal refractive therapy or refractive surgery. Depending on your individual vision problem, you may need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses at all times, or only on occasions when you need distance vision, such as driving or watching a movie.

A consultation with your Park Nicollet Eye Care specialist can determine the best course of action for correcting your particular vision problem. Call 952-993-3150 for appointments.