Gill Eye Care

Nearsightedness, or myopia, as it is medically termed, is a vision condition in which close objects are

seen clearly, but objects farther away appear blurred. Nearsightedness occurs if the eyeball is too long

or the cornea, the clear front cover of the eye, has too much curvature. As a result, the light entering the

eye isn’t focused correctly and distant objects look blurred.

Persons with nearsightedness have several options available to regain clear distance vision. They

include:

• eyeglasses

• contact lenses

• orthokeratology

• laser and other refractive surgery procedures

• vision therapy for persons with stress-related nearsightedness.

Eyeglasses are the primary choice of correction for persons with nearsightedness. Generally, a

single vision lens is prescribed to provide clear vision at all distances. However, for patients over

about age 40, or children and adults whose nearsightedness is due to the stress of near vision

work, a bifocal or progressive addition lens may be needed. These multifocal lenses provide

different powers or strengths throughout the lens to allow for clear vision in the distance and also

clear vision up close.