Near-Sightedness

The near-sighted eye is longer compared to the normal-sighted eye. For this reason, the incoming light is refracted to a point in front of the intended position on the retina. The far point of the eye is closer, depending on the amount of near-sightedness. This is the reason that near-sighted individuals don't see objects well that are further away. As one grows older, those who have a minimal near-sightedness (up to 3 dioptre) can see close objects relatively well and aren't dependent on reading glasses.

Near-sightedness can be corrected with help of glasses, contacts or through an operation, for instance with a laser (i.e. LASIK). The amount of refraction is reduced a certain amount, for example minus 2 dioptre, with glasses, contact lenses or a laser procedure. Thus, the projected image is relocated onto the retina. Profoundly near-sighted individuals (> 6,0 dioptre) often show degenerative symptoms, especially those of the retina. In extreme cases (> minus 12,0 - minus 30,0 dioptre) pathological alterations to the macula (location of most focused vision) can occur.

The most common form of near-sightedness, though, is simpler forms with values under minus 6.0 dioptre, that generally are completely developed by the age of twenty.