Nearly 70 million people in the United States suffer from myopia. Commonly referred to as nearsightedness, myopia is a condition in which near objects (objects up close) are viewed clearly and objects in the distance appear blurred. Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long for the focusing power of the lens and cornea; creating an overpowered eye that causes images to reach true focus in front of the retina.

Most cases of myopia are diagnosed in children or teens; however the condition tends to run in families - if both of your parents have myopia, your risk level increases. Symptoms include eyestrain, squinting, and distant objects appearing blurry. Myopia can be corrected with spherical contact lenses or glasses. Correction requires a "minus" lens to "weaken" the eye optically, permitting clear distance vision. Click here for a visual description of the way in which spherical contact lenses correct for myopia.

If you think you or your child may be experiencing myopia, contact your eye care practitioner. Myopia is usually diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam. Click here to find an eye care practitioner near you.