Nearsightedness is a vision condition in which near objects are usually seen clearly, but distant objects do not come into proper focus.

Why does nearsightedness occur?

Nearsightedness occures if the eye is physically too long or if the cornea(the clear front cover of the eye) has too much curvature. As a result, light entering the is not focused correctly and distant objects appear blurred.

How common is nearsightedness?

Nearsightedness is a very common vision condition affecting nearly 30 percent of the population. Generally, nearsightedness first occurs in school-age children. This is because the eye continues to grow during childhood. Nearsightedness typically progresses until about age 20. However, nearsightedness may also develop in adults due to visual stress or health conditions such as diabetes. Some research supports the theory that nearsightedness is hereditary. There is growing evidence that it is influenced by excess visual stress of too much close vision work.

This article is an excerpt from a SAOA fact sheet. More information provided by SAOA below: