Nearsightedness (Myopia)

Picture of normal vision and myopia (nearsightedness)

If you are nearsighted, objects in the distance appear blurry and out of focus.

Most nearsightedness is caused by a natural change in the shape of the eyeball. Less often, nearsightedness may be caused by a change in the cornea or the lens. The change in shape causes light rays that enter the eye to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it, which leads to blurred vision.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerChristopher J. Rudnisky, MD, MPH, FRCSC - Ophthalmology
Last RevisedJune 24, 2011
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: June 24, 2011
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, MPH, FRCSC - Ophthalmology

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