Myopia (Short-sightedness)

Myopia is caused by one or a combination of the following:

• Steep cornea
• Long eyeball
• Powerful lens

Consequently, light rays focus in front of the retina, instead of directly on it.

Short-sighted people are able to see close up objects clearly, but objects in the distance are blurry and indistinct. People with moderate to high levels of myopia are unable to recognise things beyond arm's length without their glasses on.

Laser surgery corrects myopia by making the central cornea flatter, thereby refocusing light rays onto the retina.

There are different degrees of myopia. They are classified as:

• Low = 0 to -4
• Moderate = -4 to -8
• High = -8 and above

All of the above can be improved, but those in the higher range of myopia, may still need to wear a small prescription for certain activities. The laser is used to treat up to about 10 dioptres of myopia.