Myopia (nearsightedness): Causes, progression and management

What is myopia?

Myopia (nearsightedness) is a refractive error that causes blurry distance vision. It is the most common cause of impaired vision in people under the age of 40. Myopia usually begins in childhood, but it can continue to worsen into early adulthood. This is called myopia progression. 

Almost half of children with progressive myopia reach a stable prescription by age 15. About three-quarters stabilize by age 18, and almost all stabilize by age 24. However, myopia can progress rapidly to become high myopia without proper management. High myopia can lead to sight-threatening complications in adulthood.