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Short‑sightedness (myopia)

Struggling to see things clearly in the distance? Learn about short‑sightedness, what causes myopia, and how glasses for myopia can help.

Short‑sightedness overview

Short‑sightedness, also known as myopia, is very common in Australia. It's when it’s easier to see things up close, but harder with distant objects. Myopia affects millions of people worldwide and usually develops during childhood or teenage years.

How your eye focuses light

To understand myopia, it helps to know how your eye focuses light.

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    Cornea

    The clear front layer of your eye that bends light as it enters. In myopia, the cornea may be too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

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    Lens

    Located behind the iris, the lens changes the eyes focus for near tasks. Changes to the lens, such as cataracts, can sometimes contribute to myopia like symptoms.

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    Retina

    The light‑sensitive layer at the back of your eye that captures images. In myopia, light focuses in before reaching the retina, making distant objects appear blurry.

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    Eye length

    Myopia most commonly occurs when the distance between the cornea and the retina is longer than normal.

What is short‑sightedness?

People often ask, "what is short sighted vision?” It's when light focuses in front of your retina instead of directly on it. Short‑sightedness (Myopia) means you can see nearby objects easier than distant ones. It's usually because the eye is too long. Genetics or environmental factors, such as extensive screen time or time spend indoors can make it worse. But things like lots of screen time and not enough daylight might make it worse. This common condition can also be linked to other vision problems like astigmatism, and it's different from long sightedness where distant objects are easier to see than closer ones.

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What Myopia looks like

Move the slider on our vision simulator to see how vision without glasses or contact lenses changes as short‑sightedness increases. Numbers represent prescription (Dioptres).

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Disclaimer: For advice and further information about short‑sightedness you should consult an eye care professional. This Vision Simulator should be treated as information only and does not represent advice. The images presented are artistic interpretations of short‑sightedness as experienced without glasses or contact lenses.

Vision simulator reproduced with permission from CooperVision Inc. and its subsidiaries.

What the experts say about myopia

Our expert optometrists frequently see patients with myopia, especially children and teenagers. In this video, one of our optometrists explains what causes myopia, how it develops, and the latest myopia management options available to help slow its progression in young people.

Symptoms of myopia

The main symptom is struggling to see distant objects clearly, but this can be accompanied by other signs that may indicate myopia is developing or getting worse.

Squinting to see distant objects

This is often the first sign parents notice in children like squinting at the TV or Whiteboard at school.

Headaches and eye strain

Constantly trying to focus on distant objects can cause headaches and tired eyes, especially after concentrated activities like driving or watching TV. 

Sitting closer to screens or books

Children might move closer to the TV or hold books very close to their face to see clearly.

Difficulty seeing the board at school

Teachers often notice when children can't read what's written on the classroom whiteboard or copy content from the peers who can see better.

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Who's more likely to develop it?

Myopia often runs in families, thus children with short‑sighted parents are more likely to develop myopia. It typically starts during childhood or teenage years while the eyes are still growing. Children who spend more time indoors or do lots of close‑up work are more prone to developing myopia.

What causes myopia?

Myopia is usually caused by the eye being too long from front to back, which means light focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Genetics and environmental factors such as extensive time on close‑up activities or limited time outdoors can play a role.

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Diagram illustrating the anatomy of the human eye, focusing on the lens and its function in refracting light to focus on the retina.

Myopia happens when the eyeball grows a bit too much, stretching so that the distance from front to back is longer than it should be.

How is myopia diagnosed?

An optometrist can diagnose myopia by performing a comprehensive eye exam. They'll check how well you can see at different distances and examine the health of your eyes.

Patient history

Your optometrist will ask about symptoms, family history of short‑sightedness, and lifestyle factors like screen time and outdoor activities.

Visual acuity test

This measures how clearly you can see letters on a chart at different distances, helping determine the severity of myopia.

Refraction test

Using different lenses, your optometrist finds the exact prescription needed to correct your myopia.

Eye health examination

A thorough check of your eye's internal structures to rule out other conditions and assess overall eye health.

Complications

Most cases of myopia are fairly mild and can be easily treated. However, people with severe myopia could be at risk of developing other eye conditions such as:

Cataracts

A common condition which cases blurred or cloudy vision.

Learn more about cataracts

Glaucoma

An eye disease which damages the optic nerve, causing blurry vision.

Learn more about glaucoma

Retinal detachment

A serious eye condition which can affect your vision and potentially lead to vision loss.

Learn more about detached retina

Let’s get your vision sorted

Noticed your eyes hurting, or a change in your sight? Whether it’s something new or something that’s been bothering you for a while, we’re here to help.
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Treatment for myopia

Myopia is really common. We'll help you or your child see clearly and keep eyes healthy. The good news is that there are several effective ways to correct myopia, and the right choice depends on your age, lifestyle, and how quickly your prescription is changing.

Glasses for myopia

Glasses are still the most common way to correct myopia, particularly in children. They use lenses to refocus light onto the retina, which sharpens distance vision straight away. Beyond correcting sight, certain types of glasses are designed to slow down the progression of myopia. These myopia management options use technologies such as peripheral defocus and dual‑focus lens designs. Studies show they can reduce myopia progression by around 30‑60% compared to standard lenses.

Contact lenses and other options

Contact lenses are a great option and offer visual freedom for sports and social activities. Daily disposable contact lenses are often the easiest option for children and teenagers. Specialised contact lenses, such as orthokeratology lenses (overnight contact lenses that reshape the cornea while you sleep) may also be an option. There are also myopia management contact lenses designed to slow progression while providing clear vision available too. Atropine eye drops may also be prescribed in conjunction with vision correction to assist with reducing myopic progression.

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Why early eye tests matter (especially for kids)

Regular eye examinations are crucial for detecting and managing myopia, particularly in children whose vision can change quickly. Early detection allows for prompt intervention of myopia management strategies that can have a positive impact on the long‑term development of the eye.

Fast‑changing eyesight in children

Children's eyes develop quickly, and myopia often begins during school years when visual demands increase significantly. Many children don't realise their vision is changing because the progression is gradual.

Professional monitoring and intervention

Regular professional eye examinations allow optometrists to track not just prescription changes, but also the health of the developing eye using advanced imaging technology.

Specialised myopia management

For children showing myopia progression, specialised myopia management programmes can be started early, potentially preventing the development of high myopia and its associated risks later in life.

Protecting your child's sight

Detection and early intervention are key to effective myopia management. Although we cannot always prevent myopia from starting, we can take steps to slow its progression and reduce its impact on vision and lifestyle.

Myopia in kids

Progressive myopia happens when the condition gets worse rapidly. This affects young children in particular, so it’s important to start myopia management treatment as soon as possible. As well as the symptoms listed above, children with myopia might experience or show signs of the following:

  • Difficulty seeing in into the distance/ holding objects close to the face

  • Headaches

  • Excessive blinking

  • Fatigue and lack of concentration

  • Clumsiness

  • Eye rubbing

If you are concerned about myopia in your child, then the best step is to take them for an eye test. Children can be tested at any age, even if they can’t read or talk yet.

Find out more about kids eyecare

Practical daily habits

Children can protect their vision by spending about two hours outdoors each day, as natural daylight supports healthy eye development and helps reduce the risk and progression of myopia; this time doesn’t need to be structured exercise—simple activities like playing in the garden, walking to school, or eating lunch outside are beneficial. While screen time itself doesn’t directly cause myopia, prolonged close work can cause eyestrain and influence the development of myopia. Limit extensive periods of close work or screen time and take frequent breaks. Regular eye exams are also important, with the first comprehensive check recommended at age 3–4 and continued throughout the school years.

Environmental factors

Creating an eye‑friendly environment at home and school supports healthy visual development. Ensure good lighting for reading and homework and encourage proper posture when using devices or reading books as habits formed in childhood often carry into adulthood. Limit long periods of close work and balance indoor tasks with plenty of outdoor activities.

Families should be mindful of any history of eye conditions and discuss them with your optometrist. Teaching children to notice changes in their vision and speak up helps with early intervention that can make a significant difference to lifelong care.

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Tips for myopia management

If you have myopia, wearing glasses or contact lenses is the best way to manage your condition day to day.

Depending on your prescription, it may be that you need to wear glasses or contact lenses all the time, or just when you need them for clear distance vision e.g. when you’re driving or watching a film. It's also fairly common to have different levels of correction needed for each eye, so your optometrist may provide different prescriptions for your right and left eye.

You may also be able to get laser eye surgery to correct your vision (this treatment option is only suitable for adults, not children). Your optometrist will be able to help you choose the right option for you.

Having regular eye tests –every two years – will also help you stay on top of your condition and will allow your optometrist to monitor your vision and see if your myopia is getting worse or if you’re developing any complications.

Alongside the above, there are several changes you can make that could decrease the chances of your myopia worsening. These include:

  • Limiting your screen time to avoid eye strain

  • Making sure you’re not holding books or your phone too close to your face

  • Taking breaks from screens and close tasks such as reading

  • Spending time outdoors

  • Working or reading in well‑lit environments

Three women enjoying a meal and conversation at an outdoor restaurant table, laughing and interacting joyfully.  

Common Short‑Sight (Myopia) Questions

Did you know?

Eye tests are bulk billed to Medicare, so there are no out‑of‑pocket expenses for you*.

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https://images.ctfassets.net/uuaxywrybmpn/2BeOKULBlvykl09WNyFnIx/1021048ca5d2dde5996fb75c18364a84/Jonathan_Payne.jpg

Jonathan Payne

B.Optom (Hons), CertOcPharm, PGDipBus, MBA

Jonathan has practiced optometry for over 20 years after graduating from the University of Auckland with Honors. His clinical expertise includes Advanced Contact Lenses, Diabetic and Glaucoma Management. Jonathan has worked in both private optometry and ophthalmology practices across NZ, before he took a position at the University of Auckland as a course coordinator and clinical supervisor.

Jonathan has previously presented at CCLS and NZCO conferences. He has two business degrees and has worked in corporate management settings. Currently he works with Specsavers supporting stores with performance.

Related eye conditions

Myopia often occurs alongside other refractive errors and eye conditions. Understanding these relationships helps provide comprehensive eye care and ensures all vision needs are addressed.

Astigmatism frequently occurs with myopia

This combination causes additional blurriness and distortion, requiring specialised lens designs to correct both conditions simultaneously.
Learn about astigmatism

High myopia complications

Detached retina occurs more frequently in highly myopic eyes due to the stretched, elongated shape of the eyeball, requiring immediate medical attention. 
Learn about detached retina

Find out more

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Noticed a change in your sight? Whether it’s something new or something that’s been bothering you for a while, we’re here to help.

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