What it is
It is usually corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Laser eye surgery is an option for some adults.
Spending time outdoors may help slow it in children. Some treatments, such as special lenses or eye drops, may slow it getting worse. High myopia raises the risk of some eye problems later in life.
Common signs
- Difficulty seeing distant objects, such as the board at school
- Squinting
- Headaches or tired eyes
- Sitting close to the TV or holding devices close
How it is usually diagnosed
- An eye test by an optometrist
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Glasses or contact lens prescriptions over time
- Eye test reports
- Ophthalmology letters
Questions to ask your doctor
- How often should my eyes or my child's eyes be tested?
- Are there ways to slow it getting worse?
- Am I suitable for laser surgery?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Sudden flashes of light, new floaters or a shadow over your vision: get urgent help the same day
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.