If you are short sighted or myopic your eye is longer or stronger in power than normal. This causes light rays to be focussed in front of the retina
Symptoms
The most common symptom of myopia is blurred distance vision. The Myopic eye is longer than normal, and therefore light rays focus in front of the retina making distant objects appear blurred.
Diagnosis
Myopia is often diagnosed in young children when they complain of not seeing the blackboard clearly. Myopia usually becomes worse as children grow and go through puberty. A simple eye test using a chart can demonstrate the drop in distance vision. We can then carefully measure the eyes on equipment which will give us the power of the lenses necessary. A trial lens test in the clinic allows us to correct the myopia and provide a prescription for spectacles. A full examination using dilating drops is also performed to exclude any retinal problems.
Treatment
There are non surgical and surgical ways to correct myopia. A simple pair of glasses or contact lenses can correct the refractive error giving normal sight. Once the prescription has stabilized in the early twenties, myopia can be permanently treated with laser eye surgery. Laser treatment is not suitable for children whose eyes are still changing. LASIK or PRK are both suitable methods providing the eye is healthy and there is adequate corneal thickness.
Outcomes
Generally, laser eye surgery is effective in treating myopia. Higher amounts may require a re treatment which is included in the price if performed in the first 12 months.