Myopia (Nearsightedness)

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Myopia (Short-Sightedness) 1
Myopia (Short-Sightedness) 2
Myopia (Short-Sightedness) 3

What is Myopia?

Short-sightedness, or myopia as it is known medically, is a refractive error of the eye that is easily corrected. It is one of the most common reasons for wearing spectacles in the UK and worldwide. It is more common in South East Asia and becoming more common in Europe and North America.

In short-sightedness (myopia), the vision is blurred for objects in the distance. It usually occurs when the eyeball is longer than required for the curvature (power) of the cornea or more generally when there is a mismatch between the refractive power of the eye and the length of your eye. This results in light rays coming to focus behind the retina; for normal crisp vision the light rays need to focus on the retina.

The condition usually develops in childhood or teenage years and even low levels of short-sightedness (myopia) can blur your distance vision significantly. The blurred vision is commonly noticed at school when the whiteboard cannot be seen clearly or when one eye is accidentally covered.

  • Blurred distance vision but good preservation of intermediate and near vision
  • Headache after prolonged activities that require visual attention; this is often caused by partially closing the eyelids, as this tends to improve the vision
  • Increased difficulty with night vison, as at night-time we naturally become more myopic

There is no definitive cause, but several studies have identified associations and risk factors for developing the condition. Short-sightedness (myopia) has been linked with a family history of the condition, particularly when parents and siblings are affected. Studies with twins have also indicated a strong predisposing genetic element.

Education level has also been linked with developing myopia, with the condition being more common in university graduates than non. Increased use of computers and less outdoor play are also consistent associations. These are relatively similar risk factors and the common underlying activity may be high levels of near work, such as reading, academic work and computer use. It has been postulated that the accommodating effort of the lens (focusing) required for near activities may stimulate the eyeball to become longer.

Short-sightedness and other refractive errors can be diagnosed by your optometrist (optician) or eye doctor. The examination involves a refraction in order to assess the refractive status of the eye. Other abnormalities of the eye, such as cataract or keratoconus, may be detected.

Myopia (Short-Sightedness) 4
Myopia causes objects that are far away to appear blurred.

Myopia Correction

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How can short-sightedness (myopia) be treated?

There are a few options for the treatment of short-sightedness (myopia):

  • Spectacles are by far the most common modality for the compensation of short-sightedness and other refractive errors of the eye. They are readily available and cheap. However, they are associated with distortion of your peripheral vision, especially for higher prescriptions, and inconveniences, such as getting wet in the rain, fogging when walking indoors, inability to wear sunglasses and the requirement for separate readers, to mention a few.
  • Contact lenses are commonly used for short-sightedness and other refractive errors. They are a good option as they overcome the above limitations of spectacles. They do have their own limitations though; they do reduce oxygen delivery to the eye, they can cause dry eye and with prolonged use can lead to contact lens intolerance and sight-threatening infection.
  • Laser eye surgery provides a permanent treatment to the condition by altering the shape of the cornea; this alters the refractive power of the cornea so that the light rays come into focus on the retina of the eye. At Laser Vision Eye Centre we offer a variety of laser procedures, allowing us to recommend the best treatment for your eyes and your needs; this includes LASIK, LASEK/Advanced Surface Ablation and SMILE, the latest development in laser eye surgery.
  • An Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) is like a permanent plastic contact lens that is implanted inside your eye, in front of your natural lens. No one can see this phakic lens and you cannot feel its presence in your eye. It is a safe alternative to laser surgery, but it is usually reserved for higher prescriptions when laser eye surgery may not be the best option.

Excellent 5-Star Patient Reviews

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Marcus Green
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No More Glasses!!!
Aris and the team at the Laser Vision Eye Centre have been amazing! I had my eyes done last weekend and the whole process was really well organised. They answered all my questions and made sure I knew exactly what would happen. My vision is perfect now and I don't need to wear glasses any more. Awesome!! 😀 I would definitely recommend Aris and the Laser Vision Eye Centre.
Jemma Cheung
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Fantastic... PRESBYOND laser procedure
Dr Aris gave me complete confidence in the procedure I was having. At all times I felt I was in very able hands. I choose to have PRESBYOND laser treatment as I lost my reading vision and I had to wear glasses all the time - and I absolutely hated it! With this treatment I am now 3 months after the procedure and can see with great ease and I am enjoying life with out glasses. We achieved better results than ever anticipated.
Victoria Lewis
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The ‘Gold Standard’ of laser eye surgery
Mr David Anderson is one of the leading Consultant Ophthalmologists which is why I chose him to perform my surgery. During the consultation I was very much assured that I was in good hands, but also having the ‘Gold Standard’ of laser eye surgery. It was explained that my best option was LASEK due to an eye infection rendering me contact lens intolerant. This also left me with a slightly reduced tear film... read more.
Mollie
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Excellent Care
I received excellent care throughout my experience at Laser Vision Eye Centre under the clinical leadership of Mr David Anderson. Everything was explained before and as the procedure was carried out. The waiting time for the procedure was considerably shorter than on the NHS and I even received a telephone call from the hospital the next day to check that all was well.
Cheryl Parish
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Life changing experience
I have been very impressed by the level of pre op information given enabling me to make a knowledgeable decision on how to proceed. Mr ANDERSON explained exactly what was going on throughout, which really helped me feel reassured and safe. Post op the aftercare has been amazing, staff even called on a Sunday to check how I was feeling. I would not hesitate to recommend this clinic to everyone.
John Waterman
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LASIK Presbyond Bilateral Laser Surgery
I recently underwent LASIK Presbyond surgery at the Wessex Nuffield Hospital. The surgery was performed by David Anderson and Aris Konstantopoulos and their incredible colleagues. I am so pleased I chose David and his team to carry out the procedure as the attention to detail both before, during and after surgery has been exceptional. Look no further 👀 this is the A Team! I can now write this review without the need for glasses.
Graham Charlesworth
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I have been thoroughly impressed
I have been thoroughly impressed with the level of care and professionalism that Aris and his team have shown at all stages in the process. The initial assessment, the procedure itself and then follow-up consultations. Although this was something that I approached with much trepidation I am really happy with the way that it ended up and the path that I followed.
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