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Freedom from glasses starts here.

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Myopia (short-sightedness)

Freedom from glasses starts here.

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Myopia is one of the most common vision conditions in the world, and one of the most correctable. We offer a range of proven treatments to reduce or eliminate your dependence on lenses, for good.
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Myopia (short-sightedness)

Myopia, also called short sightedness, is a common refractive error where distant objects look blurry because the eye focuses light in front of the retina. It often starts in childhood, can change through the teenage years as the eye grows, and then usually stabilises in adulthood. The good news is myopia is very manageable, with effective options for clear vision and, in some cases, options to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

What is myopia

Myopia affects how your eye focuses light, mainly impacting distance vision. It is not unusual, and it is one of the most common reasons people need glasses.

How myopia affects vision

With myopia, distance vision is the main issue. Road signs, the classroom board, and TV can look blurred, while near vision is usually clearer. Many people notice they can read comfortably up close but struggle to see detail across the room.

What causes myopia

Myopia typically happens when the eye is a little too long from front to back, or the cornea is too curved. This causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, which is what creates the distance blur.
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Symptoms of myopia

Some people notice myopia gradually, while others feel it suddenly when their prescription changes or their glasses are no longer strong enough.

Blurry distance vision

This is the classic symptom. You may struggle with street signs, faces at a distance, presentations, or seeing clearly while driving, especially at night.

Squinting and eye strain

Squinting can temporarily sharpen vision by reducing the blur circle, which is why many people do it without realising. Ongoing squinting can also lead to eye fatigue, particularly after long days of visual effort.

Headaches or fatigue with visual tasks

When your prescription is out of date, your eyes may work harder than they should, which can contribute to headaches or a tired, heavy feeling around the eyes. This can be more obvious with screen heavy work or night driving.

Types of myopia

Not all myopia behaves the same. The amount of myopia and how it changes over time influences both correction choices and long term monitoring.

Mild, moderate and high myopia

Mild to moderate myopia is typically straightforward to correct with glasses or contact lenses. Higher myopia may still be correctable, but it can also come with extra considerations for eye health monitoring.

Progressive myopia in children

In children and teenagers, myopia can increase as the eye grows. If prescriptions are changing quickly, monitoring matters because progression can increase the risk of higher myopia later on. Management options may be worth discussing depending on age, rate of change, and family history.

Pathological (degenerative) myopia

In some cases, higher myopia is linked with structural changes at the back of the eye that can increase the risk of retinal issues. This is why people with higher prescriptions are often advised to have regular retinal checks, and to seek urgent review if certain warning signs appear.
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What causes myopia to progress

Myopia progression is influenced by a mix of genetic and environmental factors. For most people, it is not one single cause.

Genetics and family history

If one or both parents are short sighted, the chance of developing myopia is higher. Genetics can also influence how early myopia starts and how much it progresses.

Visual habits and near work

Long stretches of close up work may be a factor for some children, especially when combined with limited outdoor time. This does not mean reading is bad, but it does support the idea of balanced visual habits, particularly during growing years.

Time outdoors and light exposure

Studies have linked more time outdoors with a lower risk of developing myopia in children. It is not a guarantee, but it is one of the more consistent findings in myopia research, and it is a simple, healthy habit to encourage.
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How myopia is diagnosed

Diagnosis is more than just finding the right glasses prescription. A complete assessment also checks eye health, which becomes increasingly important with higher prescriptions.

Eye test and refraction

Refraction measures your prescription and determines what correction gives the clearest vision. This is also where we check for co-existing issues like astigmatism, which is common alongside myopia.

Eye health assessment

A thorough exam looks at the overall health of the eye, including the retina. This is particularly important for higher myopia, where retinal monitoring becomes more relevant over time.

Axial length measurement

Axial length measurement looks at the length of the eye. In children, it can be helpful for tracking progression over time and understanding whether the eye is continuing to elongate, even if the prescription changes are subtle.
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Myopia correction options

There are multiple ways to correct myopia, and the best choice depends on your prescription, corneal measurements, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

Glasses for myopia

Glasses are simple, safe, and effective. They are often the easiest option for children, and they remain a great option for adults who want reliable clarity without the maintenance of contact lenses.

Contact lenses for myopia

Soft contact lenses are a common choice for everyday convenience and sport. If astigmatism is also present, toric contact lenses may be needed to keep vision crisp and stable.

Laser eye surgery for myopia

Laser vision correction reshapes the cornea to improve focus, and it can reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses when you are suitable. Options include LASIK, PRK and SmartSight.

Implantable collamer lens (ICL) for myopia

For people with higher prescriptions, or when corneal thickness or shape makes laser less suitable, an implantable lens may be an option. An ICL sits inside the eye to correct vision without removing the natural lens. You can read more on our implantable collamer lens page.

Lens based options

In some older patients, lens based correction may be discussed, particularly if there are early lens changes or a desire for a long term correction approach. This can include refractive lens exchange, which is assessed carefully based on age, prescription, eye health, and visual priorities. If this is relevant, our refractive lens exchange page covers the basics and what suitability involves.

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Risks of high myopia

Higher myopia can be associated with increased risk of certain eye conditions. The key message is monitoring, not panic.

Retinal tears and retinal detachment

People with higher myopia may have a higher risk of retinal tears or detachment. It is important to know the warning signs and seek urgent assessment if they occur. If a detachment is diagnosed, treatment may be needed to protect vision, and our retinal detachment page explains what that usually involves.

Myopic macular changes

In some cases, high myopia can be linked with changes in the macula, which can affect central detail vision. Monitoring with appropriate retinal checks helps detect problems early.

Glaucoma and cataract risk

Higher myopia has been associated with increased risk of glaucoma and earlier cataract changes in some people. That does not mean it will happen to you, but it does mean regular eye health assessments matter. If you want to learn more about glaucoma, see our glaucoma page.

When to book an eye check

If you suspect myopia is developing or changing, it is worth booking an assessment so you can get clear vision and the right monitoring plan.

Adults

Blurred distance vision, headaches, night driving issues, or frequent prescription changes are common reasons to get checked. If you are considering vision correction procedures, an assessment helps confirm what options are realistic for your eyes and your lifestyle.

Urgent symptoms (any age)

If you notice flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters, or a curtain or shadow over vision, seek urgent assessment. These can be warning signs of retinal problems, and time matters.
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Why choose City Eye Surgeons for myopia care

Myopia care is not just about getting the right prescription. It is also about making sure your eyes stay healthy long term.

Accurate refraction and thorough eye health checks

Clear vision starts with a precise prescription, but it should always be paired with the right eye health checks, especially if your prescription is higher or changing.

Options across glasses, contacts and surgical correction

We can discuss glasses and contact lenses as well as suitability for surgical correction when appropriate, so you can choose an option that fits your goals rather than forcing one pathway.

Monitoring plans for high myopia

For higher prescriptions structured monitoring helps track change, guide management, and pick up any issues early.
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FAQs

Glasses and contact lenses correct myopia while you wear them. Laser or implantable lens options may reduce dependence on glasses or contacts in suitable candidates.
Myopia often progresses through childhood and teenage years, then stabilises in adulthood. Some adults can still have changes over time – this is more commonly seen in high and pathological myopia.
Yes. Myopia is the medical term for short sightedness, where distance vision is blurred and near vision is usually clearer.
Laser eye surgery can correct myopia in many suitable patients, but not everyone is a candidate. Corneal shape, thickness, and prescription range determine eligibility.
High myopia refers to stronger prescriptions that are more likely to be linked with certain eye health risks, particularly retinal issues. The key is appropriate monitoring and knowing the warning signs that need urgent review.
Yes, when used correctly. Good hygiene, correct wear time, and regular check ups are important, and toric lenses may be needed if astigmatism is also present.

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    Location: G11-12/566 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3004

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