Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center
Ophthalmology

St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital 832-355-1000
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Nearsightedness



Nearsightedness (Myopia)

Myopia, unlike normal vision, occurs when the cornea is too curved or the eye is too long. This causes light to focus in front of the retina, resulting in blurry distance vision.

Symptoms of myopia:

  • Blurry distance vision


 

 myopia  near_sm
Light focuses in front of the retina causing blurry distance vision. Click on the picture for
animation.
 Object nearby appear clear.




Myopia is a very common condition that affects nearly 30 percent of the U.S. population. It normally starts to appear between the ages of eight and 12 years old, and almost always before the age of 20. As the body grows, the condition often worsens. It typically stabilizes in adulthood.