Myopiaalso known as Nearsightedness

Myopia — often called nearsightedness — means distant objects look blurry because light focuses in front of, rather than directly on, the retina. More than 4 in 10 U.S. teens and young adults are affected, and modeling studies warn that half of the world’s population could be myopic by 2050, with nearly 1 billion facing sight-threatening high myopia complications.[1][4] The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) calls the trend a “global epidemic” because unchecked progression raises lifetime risks for retinal detachment, glaucoma and myopic maculopathy.[5]

Classic signs include:

• Blurred distance vision (difficulty reading the board or road signs)
• Squinting, eye strain or headaches after tasks requiring distance focus
• Sitting very close to TVs or holding books inches from the face
• Night-driving glare or haloes

Most children become symptomatic in early grade school; uncorrected myopia can impair learning and hand-eye coordination.[2] Adults may notice progressive blur or frequent prescription changes, especially during prolonged digital work.[3]

Myopia develops when the eye grows too long front-to-back or the cornea is too steep. Modern research shows both genes and environment matter:

• Having one myopic parent doubles risk; two parents triples it.
• Limited outdoor daylight and high “near-work” (screens, reading >3 h/day) accelerate axial elongation.[7]
• East Asian ancestry, urban living, and early age of onset (<8 years) are strong predictors of rapid progression.[14]

Systemic connective-tissue disorders or uncontrolled diabetes can also induce acquired myopia, though these cases are far less common.[2][3]

An eye-care professional will perform:

1. Visual-acuity testing with a Snellen chart.
2. Autorefraction and retinoscopy to estimate sphere, cylinder and axis.[3]
3. Cycloplegic refraction after dilating drops — the Mayo Clinic notes this is crucial in kids to relax focusing muscles and reveal latent prescription.[18]
4. Axial-length ultrasound or optical biometry to monitor progression.

Ancillary tests such as corneal topography help rule out keratoconus or measure suitability for refractive surgery.[2]

Optical Correction

Glasses or soft contact lenses provide instant clarity and are safe for all ages.[2]

Myopia-Control Strategies

• Toric and multifocal soft lenses designed for myopia control slowed progression by ~43% in a recent NEI-funded trial.[8]
• Orthokeratology (overnight corneal-molding RGP lenses) reshapes the cornea temporarily, giving clear daytime vision and 40–60 % control efficacy.[9]
• Low-dose atropine 0.05 % eye-drops reduce axial elongation up to 60 % with minimal side-effects, according to 3-year LAMP data and 2023 AAO reviews.[10][11]

Refractive Surgery

Adults seeking freedom from lenses may choose LASIK, PRK or SMILE. Cole Eye Institute reports 94 % of post-LASIK eyes reach 20/20 vision at 3 months.[12]

Daily habits can slow progression and protect eye health:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule (look 20 ft away for 20 s every 20 min).
• Encourage ≥2 hours of outdoor play — each extra weekly hour outdoors cuts risk ~2 %.[7]
• Balance screen time with breaks and good lighting; AAO’s Myopia Control campaign offers printable tips for families.[6]
• Attend yearly dilated exams to detect retinal holes or myopic degeneration early.[13]

Community programs in Taiwan that added “two hours of sunshine” to the school day cut new-onset myopia by one-third, underscoring the power of prevention.[17]

• LAMP-5-Year Data: Extended follow-up confirms atropine 0.05 % maintains control benefits for five years with no serious adverse events.[16]
• DIMS & Stellest Spectacle Lenses: Novel defocus-incorporated optics show ~50 % efficacy and are now FDA-cleared.[6]
• Genetics & Environment: Global NEI collaborations are mapping gene–light interactions to design personalized prevention.[14][15]

Best specialist to see: a pediatric ophthalmologist or cornea & refractive surgeon experienced in myopia control. Start with a comprehensive exam; if axial length is >26 mm or annual change exceeds 0.50 D, request referral to a dedicated myopia-management clinic such as Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute or Mayo Clinic’s Pediatric Myopia Service.[3][18]

Kerbside can connect you directly with these subspecialists, streamline insurance pre-authorization, and coordinate follow-up scheduling — so you spend less time searching and more time seeing clearly.