I can see perfectly up close, but I need glasses or contacts to drive or see anything far away.”
Nearsightedness, or myopia, is the most common type of refractive error. About 30% of people in the United States are nearsighted.
Being nearsighted means you are able to see near objects clearly, but distant objects are blurred.
There are a few different things that can cause someone to be nearsighted. The lens or cornea may be too curved or, more commonly, the eye itself may be too long-so light comes to a focal point before it reaches the back of the eye, which makes it difficult for the eye to focus a clear picture of a distant object on the retina.
Most nearsighted people wear glasses or contact lenses to see distant objects clearly. Still, while glasses and contact lenses are effective, they aren’t always ideal. They can be lost or broken and they can be a nuisance during physical activities like sports or activities that require frequent switching between near and distant vision. Contact lenses require additional cleaning and care and glasses can alter your appearance.
Advanced techniques now make it easier than ever to improve nearsightedness permanently-often reducing or completely eliminating the need for glasses or contacts.
LASIK surgery is a safe, effective option for many nearsighted people. LASIK can help you see both near and distant objects clearly-without glasses or contacts.
If you are over 40, presbyopia surgery may be an excellent option for improving nearsightedness along with presbyopia (a common refractive error that develops over time and causes a loss of near vision). You can reduce your need for glasses or contacts, including reading glasses.
Cataract surgery may be the best option for nearsighted people over 60 who have begun to develop cataracts. Modern cataract surgeries can simultaneously correct other refractive errors, including presbyopia and nearsightedness. Some surgical options will even allow you to see clearly at all distances without glasses or contact lenses.
Talk with your eye doctor about which procedure is right for you.
Not sure what a particular term means? Click on words in bold to pull up the glossary tab.
Cornea
Clear, curved surface at the front of the eye through which light enters the eye. Along with the sclera (the white part of the eye), provides external protection for the eye. Often called the window of the eye. During many types of vision correction surgery, such as LASIK, the cornea is reshaped to reduce or eliminate the main types of refractive error - nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
Lens
The transparent disc behind the pupil that brings light into focus on the retina. As the eye ages, the lens often becomes cloudy and is called a cataract.
Nearsighted, nearsightedness (or myopia)
Common vision problem and type of refractive error. Caused by either too much curvature of the cornea or too much distance between the front of the eye and the retina at the back. Both structural defects cause light entering the eye to focus incorrectly on the retina, resulting in blurred distance vision. Treated with corrective lenses, laser vision correction or multifocal or accommodative IOLs.
Refractive error
Irregularities in the cornea, lens or shape of the eye that prevent correct focus at any distance.
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The Eye Surgery Education Council provides information and support to help patients and their families make an informed decision about the different types of vision surgery. Developed by members of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the ESEC is backed by the knowledge and expertise of some of the nation’s leading ophthalmologists.
*Copyright © 2010 ASCRS. All Rights Reserved
This site is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Individuals should decide whether to have LASIK, Lens Surgery or Cataract Surgery based on consultations and advice of their eye surgeon and full discussion of the benefits and risk of the procedure. While LASIK, Lens Surgery and Cataract Surgery are generally considered to be safe and effective procedures in correcting vision, individual results may vary.
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