The main sign of myopia is blurry distance vision, while near vision stays clear. It often develops gradually, so it is not always noticed, especially in children. Only an eye examination can measure it precisely.
Key points
- Blurry distance vision: board, road signs, faces, television.
- Squinting, eye strain, headaches at the end of the day.
- In children: sitting close to screens or the board, or falling school results.
- Diagnosis is based on measuring visual acuity and refraction.
Signs in adults
- difficulty reading road signs or subtitles at a distance;
- discomfort when driving, especially at night;
- needing to squint to see clearly;
- eye strain and headaches after distance viewing.
Signs in children
Children rarely complain: they think everyone sees as they do. Some signs should alert you:
- sitting close to the television or approaching the board;
- squinting or frequently rubbing the eyes;
- difficulty recognising people at a distance;
- losing interest in activities that require distance vision.
Good to know
A glasses prescription shows myopia with a minus sign: "-2.50" means 2.5 dioptres of myopia. The cylinder ("cyl") corresponds to astigmatism.
Tests at the ophthalmologist
- Visual acuity, at distance and near, with and without correction;
- Refraction, which measures the degree of myopia and astigmatism. In children it is performed after relaxing accommodation (cycloplegia), so as not to overestimate the myopia;
- Fundus examination, which checks the retina, particularly in high myopia;
- depending on the case, measurement of eye length (biometry), useful to monitor progression in children, and corneal topography before considering surgery.
When to see a doctor?
An examination is advised as soon as distance vision becomes blurred, and systematically for children whose parents are short-sighted. Seek urgent care if you suddenly notice floaters, flashes of light or a curtain over one eye: in short-sighted people, these signs may reveal a retinal tear or detachment.
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
If you see blurry in the distance but clearly up close, myopia is likely. Only a refraction test by an ophthalmologist can confirm and measure it.
Screening is recommended in early childhood and before starting school. An earlier examination is advised if there are warning signs or if the parents are short-sighted.
Because the longer myopic eye has a more stretched retina. The fundus examination can identify fragile areas that may need monitoring or preventive treatment.
This general information does not replace a consultation: only an eye examination can establish a diagnosis and discuss a suitable treatment.