Can your vision be enhanced with short-sighted glasses? Let’s find out. 

Myopia (also informally known as short-sightedness) is a condition that makes objects in the distance appear blurred, while closer objects are seen more clearly. The clue is in the name. The individual's eye essentially lacks long-distance vision. This condition is common. In fact, studies show that 1 in 3 people in the UK suffers from short-sighted vision complications. A number that may be likely to rise significantly in the next 20 years...

The growth of the eye is usually fully developed come early adulthood, and if myopia is going to develop, this will usually occur during the teenage years. If you suffer from the condition, you should usually find out by the time you turn 20. At this point, your eye is likely to be fully developed, and the short-sightedness is unlikely to worsen. However, there is a chance that your sight could deteriorate if your eye encounters trauma, due to health implications, or if there is an overfocus on objects etc. 

As the condition is most likely to become apparent in childhood years, it is important to note the signs and actions that may reveal short-sightedness.

Myopia in Children - When they May Need Short-Sighted Glasses

Myopia can be apparent in children from an early age. However, there are several ways to manage the condition, especially if detected early on. The condition usually begins in children between the ages of 6 and 14 and is quite often hereditary meaning that if the child's parents suffer from short-sightedness there is a higher chance that they will be affected also. 

   

Unfortunately, this condition can be hard to detect in children due to their young age and lack of knowledge (especially to do with their health). There are certain signs and actions to look out for that, as a parent, will allow you to monitor your child’s eyes. There are a variety of actions and signs to look out for in young children. These include frequent squinting when looking at long-distance objects, rubbing eyes regularly or excessively blinking, getting extremely close to devices (for example, TVs, iPads, tablets), or complaints of strains, tiredness, or headaches. 

If your child seems to be showing early signs of myopia, short-sighted glasses may be required to enhance their vision.

Booking an eye test would be the first step in addressing this issue.

Eye Examinations

Eye examinations are extremely important, especially in young children. Children are likely to have their eyes examined several times from the moment they are born until they start school. However, as eye tests are free on the NHS (United Kingdom), until the age of 16, if they do face further complications, examinations may be beneficial every 1-2 years. Especially if they suffer from short-sightedness.

Treatments for Short-Sightedness

Myopia is most likely treated with short-sighted glasses or contact lenses. For children with nearsightedness, glasses are usually the first port of call. However, adults may prefer to tackle their visual impairments with contact lenses. A visit to your local opticians will allow you to consider your choices. 

Progressive Myopia May Require Short-Sighted Glasses

As previously explained, this condition is likely to stabilise by the time the affected individual is around 20. However, myopia progression is likely to affect adults as they age. The reason behind this is, at the moment, unclear. However, experts believe that an increase in technology usage could potentially be the reason behind it if it does not appear to be health-related. If you believe that you fall into the category of progressive myopia, it is always best to contact an optometrist for further details. 

To Sum Things Up...

Well, we hope that we have answered any questions that you may have regarding short-sighted glasses. To reiterate, the requirement for nearsighted glasses can usually be detected as early as childhood. This is the period you are most likely to catch short-sighted complications. However, if you are an adult, and you believe that you also fall into this category, it is always the best option to get your eyes checked for peace of mind and to enhance your vision. 

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