Treatment:

Wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses can help shift the focus of the light image directly onto the retina, producing a clearer image.

The most common surgery to correct myopia is LASIK. An excimer laser is used to reshape (flatten) the cornea, shifting the focus.

Expectations (prognosis):

Early diagnosis of nearsightedness is important, because a child can suffer socially and educationally by not being able to see well at a distance.

Complications:

• Complications can occur in people who use contact lenses (corneal ulcers and infections)
• Complications of laser vision correction are uncommon, but can be serious
• People with myopia can, in rare cases, develop retinal detachments or retinal degeneration

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your ophthalmologist if your child shows these signs, which may indicate a vision problem:

• Having difficulty reading the blackboard in school or signs on a wall
• Holding books very close when reading
• Sitting close to the television

Call for an appointment with your ophthalmologist if you or your child is nearsighted and experiences signs of a possible retinal tear or detachment, including:

• Flashing lights
• Floating spots
• Sudden loss of any part of the field of vision