Myopia Symptoms: Signs of Short-Sightedness
Myopia, or short-sightedness, affects distance vision, making far-away objects appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. Recognising the symptoms of myopia early can help ensure timely diagnosis and management.
Common Myopia Symptoms
You may be short-sighted if you experience:
- Difficulty seeing objects in the distance;
- Blurry vision when looking at far-away objects;
- Frequent squinting or partially closing your eyes to see clearly;
- Headaches caused by eyestrain;
- Trouble seeing while driving, especially at night or when reading road signs.
Recognising Myopia in Children
Children may not always recognise they have vision problems, so parents should look out for signs that may suggest myopia, including:
- Squinting or screwing up their eyes to see objects in the distance;
- Difficulty seeing the blackboard or whiteboard at school;
- Sitting too close to the television or needing to sit at the front of the classroom.
The website childmyopia.com features an excellent vision simulator tool that allows you to see how short-sightedness affects vision at different levels.
Other Symptoms Linked to Myopia
Night Myopia
Some people experience blurred vision only at night. This occurs because:
- Low light makes it harder for the eyes to focus
- Larger pupil size in the dark allows more peripheral, unfocused light rays to enter the eye.
Pseudo Myopia (False Myopia)
Excessive near-vision work—such as reading, studying, or prolonged screen use— can cause temporary blurred distance vision due to overworked focusing muscles. This often improves after resting the eyes, but frequent visual stress can lead to a more permanent reduction in distance vision over time.
Myopia and Health Conditions
In some cases, symptoms of myopia can also be linked to other health concerns, including:
- Diabetes – Fluctuating blood sugar levels may cause temporary changes in vision, sometimes mimicking myopia disease symptoms
- Cataracts – Early-stage cataracts may contribute to blurry distance vision similar to myopia
When to See an Optometrist
If you or your child are experiencing myopia symptoms, it’s important to book a myopia eye test. Early detection and management can help slow progression and ensure clear vision for life.
If you don’t have an optometrist or need to find one near you, use our Find an optometrist search tool to book an appointment.
Disclaimer: No information provided on the Good vision for life website is intended to constitute or substitute advice from visiting an optometrist. You should seek appropriate personalised advice from a qualified optometrist about any eye health and vision conditions.
