Myopia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Written by Sumiran Racherla, MD. Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Myopia?
An optometrist or an ophthalmologist (a medical eye doctor) usually treats myopia, also called nearsightedness. People with myopia see close-up objects clearly, but objects in the distance look blurry. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is myopia?
Myopia is a refractive error, which means the eye does not focus light the way it should. The shape of the eye makes light focus in front of the retina instead of on it. The retina is a light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye.
Most eyes with myopia are healthy. High myopia, a more severe form, raises the risk of other eye problems that can lead to permanent vision loss. These include retinal detachment, cataract (clouding of the lens) and glaucoma (an eye disease linked to eye pressure).
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of myopia are these.
- Trouble seeing things that are far away.
- Needing to squint to see clearly.
- Eye strain, which is when your eyes feel tired or sore.
Some people with myopia get headaches, but this is not as common.
Myopia is often first noticed in school-aged children or teenagers. Children often cannot read the blackboard, but they can easily read a book.
Mild myopia may cause no symptoms.
Causes and who gets it
Myopia happens when the eyeball grows too long from front to back. The cornea is the clear front layer of the eye. A shape problem in the cornea or the lens can also cause it. The lens helps the eye focus.
Anyone can be nearsighted, but the risk is higher if family members are nearsighted too. Myopia affects males and females equally.
Many genes, each with a small effect, probably interact with lifestyle and environment.
Myopia usually starts between ages 6 and 14 and gets worse until the early twenties. Children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to be nearsighted, but experts are not sure why.
How doctors diagnose it
Eye doctors can check for myopia as part of a comprehensive eye exam. The exam is simple and painless. A general eye exam may include these tests.
- A refraction test, which finds the correct prescription for glasses.
- A visual acuity test, which checks how well you see far away and up close.
- A retinal exam, which looks at the retina.
Treatment
The most common treatments for myopia are eyeglasses or contact lenses. Your eye doctor prescribes the right lenses to help you see as clearly as possible.
Adults can also get surgery that changes the shape of the cornea so it can focus light clearly. The most common surgery is LASIK, which uses a laser to reshape (flatten) the cornea. A newer laser surgery called SMILE is also approved for use in the United States.
Glasses and contact lenses do not affect the normal progression of myopia. They simply focus light so a person can see distant objects clearly. It is also important that glasses or contacts are not too strong.
Recent information suggests that certain dilating eyedrops, used in certain children at just the right time, may decrease the total nearsightedness they develop.
Treatments carry risks. Corneal ulcers and infections may occur in people who use contact lenses. Rarely, complications of laser vision correction may occur, and these can be serious. Follow your eye doctor's instructions for using and caring for lenses.
When to see a doctor
Contact your health care provider if your child cannot read the blackboard or signs on a wall.
Contact your eye doctor right away if you or your child is nearsighted and has flashing lights or floating spots. These can be signs of a retinal tear or detachment. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have a sudden loss of any part of your field of vision or any other sudden change in vision.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can talk through your symptoms and follow your overall health. They can refer you to an eye doctor for an exam.
Common questions
Does myopia get worse over time?
Yes, myopia often gets worse during childhood and the teen years. It usually starts between ages 6 and 14 and gets worse until the early twenties. It most often stops progressing as a person stops growing in his or her early twenties.
Can myopia be prevented?
A sure way to prevent myopia is not known. Children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to be nearsighted, but experts are not sure why. Certain dilating eyedrops, used in certain children at just the right time, may decrease the total nearsightedness they develop.
Is high myopia dangerous?
It can be, because high myopia raises the risk of other eye problems. The risk of these problems increases with the severity of the nearsightedness.
Do glasses or contact lenses make myopia worse?
No. Using glasses or contact lenses does not affect the normal progression of myopia. They simply focus the light so a nearsighted person can see distant objects clearly.
Sources
- National Eye Institute - Nearsightedness (Myopia)
- MedlinePlus - Nearsightedness
- MedlinePlus Genetics - Nearsightedness
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
