Myopia Nearsightedness

Anyone who has poor vision in the distance suffers from myopia. Around a quarter of the population in Germany is affected, and the number is rising. Modern correction aids make it possible to compensate for poor eyesight. Regular checkups by the ophthalmologist are still important to avoid secondary diseases.

In the following, we would like to give you first important information on the phenomenon of myopia and clarify common patient questions.

How is myopia recognized and measured?

In an ophthalmological examination, the refractive power in the eye is measured. This measurement is called diopters (dpt) and indicates the corrective strength of spectacles or contact lenses. For example, with a value of 0 diopters, there is no visual impairment. With myopia, the diopter values ​​are in the negative range. The presence of nearsightedness can be identified with a simple eye test.

The greater the deviation from 0 dioptres, the stronger the myopia. Slight myopia is between 0 and -1 dpt. Diopter values ​​up to -3 are often in need of correction. A correction aid is necessary for myopia between -3 and -6 dpt, as the eyesight is already noticeably restricted and leads to problems in everyday life. From -6 dpt there is severe myopia , which significantly increases the risk of further diseases in the eye.

Forms of myopia

There are different forms of myopia. Complications can arise especially in the high myopia stage. The different forms of myopia include:

• Pathological myopia
• Myopia-related macular degeneration
• Myopia astigmatism
• Myopia cataract
• Myopia retinal detachment
• Myopic Choroidal Neovascularizations (mCNV)

If you would like to learn more about the forms of myopia, then read more information on our website on the subject severe myopia , myopia complications and myopic CNV . There, we provide information about the disease and treatment options.

Difference between near- and farsightedness

As already explained, myopia is a visual defect in which you can see clearly close up but blurred in the distance, as a result of an eyeball that is too long. Hyperopia, on the other hand, has exactly the opposite effect. Objects or writing in the vicinity are seen out of focus, whereas in the distance, everything is clearly recognized by those affected.

Can myopia be cured?

An eyeball that is too long, which is the cause of myopia, cannot be treated. Myopia is therefore not curable. However, it can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses and, in some cases, with a laser.

Further information on treating myopia can be found at: Detecting and treating myopia .

Improve myopia with eye training

Is it possible to improve myopia with eye training? So far it has not been scientifically proven that targeted training of the eyes improves ametropia such as myopia. In the case of nearsightedness, it is only possible that the diopter values improve again with age.

We offer our patients special preventive examinations for myopia, for the early detection of retinal problems and the prevention of poor eyesight in children.

Further information can be found on our website at prevention with defective vision .