JP
1
1
Mild severity
· Ophthalmology
Myopia
Short-sightedness · Blurry distance
The eyeball is too long, focusing distant images in front of the retina. Outdoor time in childhood reduces progression; severe myopia raises retinal disease risk.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Rising in Indian children
- Typical age
- Childhood onset
- Outlook
- Correctable, progressive in some
- System
- Vision
Reviewed by a verified Ophthalmology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Genetics
- Excess near work
- Lack of outdoor time in childhood
- Excessive screens
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Blurred distance vision
- Squinting to see far
- Headaches
- Eye strain
- Worse over years in children
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Glasses or contact lenses
- Atropine drops for child progression
- Orthokeratology lenses
- Refractive surgery (LASIK, SMILE) over 18
- Manage complications
Staying ahead
Prevention
- 2 hours daily outdoor time for children
- 20-20-20 rule for screens
- Adequate reading light
- Annual eye check from age 5
Do’s
- Outdoor play 2 hrs daily
- Hold reading material 30 cm away
- Annual eye exam
- Use blue-blocking glasses if helpful
Don’ts
- Use phone at 10 cm in low light
- Skip child eye exams
- Get LASIK before stable
- Self-buy strong reading glasses
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
See all ophthalmology doctors Top 4 doctors for Myopia
Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.
AS
2
2
KR
3
3
KN
4
4
Related conditions
Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.