When the eye puts distant objects into focus just in front of the retina, but not on the retina, this is called “myopia.” The image ends up “near” to the retina, but doesn’t quite make it all the way – the eye is thus “near-sighted.” No matter how much focusing is done by the natural lens, the image cannot be focused onto the retina. Therefore, in order to make a distant object into clear image on the retina, an artificial lens is placed in front of the eye (glasses or contact lens) to shift the image onto the retina. Myopic people need glasses (or contact lenses, or LASIK) in order to see distant objects. Myopia does not disappear over time, and actually tends to increase – as the eye grows microscopically, the image gets further from the retina and the strength of glasses must correct for this change. To date, there is no sound scientific evidence that any treatment prevents or slows myopia; claims to the contrary should be met with skepticism. Fortunately, the vast majority of myopic people retain the ability to see perfectly well, with optical correction, and have healthy eyes.
Without glasses, myopic people can clearly see objects that are close; just how close is determined by the degree of myopia. Very myopic people are only able to see objects that are very close. Myopic people need glasses (or contact lenses, or LASIK) in order to see distant objects. Myopia does not disappear over time, and actually tends to increase – as the eye grows microscopically, the image gets further from the retina and the strength of glasses must correct for this change. To date, there is no sound scientific evidence that any treatment prevents or slows myopia; claims to the contrary should be met with skepticism. Fortunately, the vast majority of myopic people retain the ability to see perfectly well, with optical correction, and have healthy eyes.
