Myopia is a common eye condition also known as shortsightedness or nearsightedness. A person with myopia can see nearby objects such as phones, books or laptops clearly, while distant objects appear blurred. This can make activities such as driving, watching television or reading classroom boards more difficult.

Myopia cannot currently be cured. However, eye care professionals can manage the condition effectively and, in many cases, slow its progression.

Myopia is becoming more common. Around one in three children and teenagers now have the condition. Researchers associate this rise with modern lifestyle changes, including increased screen use and reduced time outdoors.

Progressing myopia can increase the risk of long-term eye conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma. That's why early diagnosis supports long-term eye health.

Myopia occurs when the shape of the eye affects how light focuses inside it. In a healthy eye, light passes through the cornea and lens and focuses directly on the retina, which produces a clear image.

In a myopic eye, the eyeball is usually too long or the cornea is too curved. This causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This structural difference leads to blurred distance vision.

Myopia develops through a combination of factors. Genetics can increase risk, while environmental factors such as prolonged screen use and reduced outdoor time can influence development and progression.

Myopia affects distance vision, which can impact many everyday tasks. People with myopia may find it difficult to read road signs, recognise faces at a distance or see presentation screens clearly without glasses.

Children with myopia may experience reduced confidence in classroom settings and may struggle to see the board or follow visual instructions.

If myopia is undiagnosed or unmanaged, people may squint to try to improve clarity. This can lead to eye strain, headaches and general visual fatigue.

Myopia progression in adults is less common because eye growth usually slows after early adulthood.

If myopia worsens in adulthood, it may relate to visual fatigue from prolonged near work or changes in eye health.

Regular eye examinations help identify these changes early - so make sure to see your optician on a regular frequency as recommended by them.

Sudden changes in vision require urgent attention. In people with high myopia, the retina can become thinner and more vulnerable to damage.

Warning signs include flashes of light, an increase in floaters, a dark shadow in vision or a sudden loss of vision.

These symptoms require immediate assessment at an emergency eye clinic or accident and emergency department.

Research shows that certain treatments can slow myopia progression in children. These include specialised spectacle lenses and contact lenses designed for myopia control.

Effectiveness varies depending on age, lifestyle and treatment type. Clinical evidence continues to develop in this area.

An eye examination is recommended if a person experiences:

• Blurred distance vision
• Frequent headaches
• Squinting to see clearly
• Difficulty seeing road signs or classroom boards
• Noticeable changes in vision

Children should have regular eye tests even without symptoms because myopia can develop gradually.

Myopia cannot currently be cured because it results from permanent physical changes in the eye structure.

However, eye care professionals can manage myopia effectively through glasses, contact lenses, lifestyle guidance and specialist myopia control options.

Early diagnosis, regular monitoring and appropriate management can help slow progression and reduce the risk of long-term complications.