Myopia

Myopia or near-sightedness is a common eye disorder, whereby closer objects can be seen clearly but those further away appear blurry. Excessive curvature of the cornea (the front part of the eye covering the iris and the pupil) or an elongated eyeball cause light to focus improperly on the retina, leading to this eye disorder.

Myopia is a common eye disorder and is more common among school-age children. It can also develop in adults, with visual stress of close work – such as extensive computer use – and disorders such as diabetes putting you at higher risk of developing near-sightedness. A family history of this disorder also puts you at a higher risk.

While myopia is not a serious eye disorder and can be corrected with the help of prescription eye glasses and lenses, if left untreated, it can severely impact your quality of life, create a safety hazard, especially when driving, and lead to excessive straining of the eyes and headaches.

When to seek expert advise

Difficulty seeing objects at a distance should not be ignored. If you or your child has been facing the above symptoms and that has affected your normal daily activities, you must consult an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) at The Aga Khan University Hospital the only internationally accredited hospital of Pakistan.

Sudden onset of flashes or floaters in your vision is also a warning sign and must not be ignored as it could indicate a serious complication.