Myopia is a refractive error.

Refractive errors consist of a change at the level of the eye in which light rays are not refracted correctly, the retina receives the image formed by the light rays, and this image will be sent to the brain via the optic nerve.

In myopia, objects are focused in front of the retina and not on the retina in the case of normal vision. Thus, closer objects are visualised correctly while more distant objects appear blurred.

It is usually diagnosed between 8-12 years of age and may worsen during adolescence. However, the onset of myopia can occur in adulthood.

Some symptoms include:

- Visual fatigue;

- Headache (headache);

- Difficulty in visualising distant objects and images;

The act of squinting to try to see distant images and objects better is one of the signs of myopia.

There are 3 types of myopia:

– Miopia ligeira: < 3 dioptrias

- Moderate myopia: 3 to 6 diopters

- High myopia: > 6 diopters

In high myopias complications and associated diseases such as retinal detachment, glaucoma or choroidal neovascularisation are more frequent.

Patients with myopia have a higher risk of developing retinal detachments, cataracts and glaucoma.

Myopia can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or surgery and its diagnosis is made through several exams.

You should always consult your Ophthalmologist for a better diagnosis and follow-up of your clinical situation.