Refractive error
Myopia
The eye is fractionally too long, so distance vision blurs while close-up vision stays sharp. Myopia usually appears in childhood and often settles in the twenties. Once the refractive error is stable, it can in some cases be corrected with laser or with an implanted lens.
30+ years of experienceFree assessmentAn experienced treatment team throughout
What is myopia?
Myopia (short-sightedness) is a refractive error of the eye. If you are short-sighted, you see blurred images at a distance, while vision is sharp and clear at close range.
When you are short-sighted, you find it difficult to see sharply at long distances. Objects far away will appear more or less blurred, depending on how short-sighted you are. By contrast, objects close by usually appear clear and sharp.
When does myopia develop?
Myopia typically begins during the school years and usually progresses until around the age of 20. It can, however, also develop later in life – for instance because of visual stress (such as extensive screen work) or medical conditions such as diabetes.
Just under half the population has a refractive error, and myopia is the most common. As a short-sighted person you depend on glasses or contact lenses, which can restrict your freedom of movement. Treatment of myopia can reduce your need for glasses and contact lenses.
Symptoms of myopia
Common signs include:
- Distant objects look blurred or indistinct
- Squinting to see road signs or a screen at the front of a room
- Eye strain or headaches after driving or concentrating
- Sitting closer to the television than feels natural
- You have difficulty seeing clearly at night
If you recognise several of these signs, an eye examination can establish the cause.
What causes myopia?
Myopia develops when the eye is fractionally too long from front to back, so the focal point lies in front of the retina. Genetics play a substantial part, and children with short-sighted parents are more likely to develop myopia. Prolonged close work and limited time outdoors are also associated with the development of myopia in childhood.
The difference between a normal-sighted eye and a short-sighted eye
The normal-sighted eye
A normal-sighted eye forms sharp images on the retina, giving clear vision both at a distance and close up. The eye's optical system – the cornea, the lens and the vitreous body – refracts incoming light rays so that they converge precisely on the retina. In this way, a sharp image is formed at all distances.
This refraction of light rays is measured in dioptres. The dioptre is a unit of refractive power. With short-sightedness, the power of the spectacle lens or contact lens is given with a minus sign. The various parts of the eye's optical system together make up the total refractive power. When the refractive power is correct, the image is formed sharply on the retina.
The short-sighted eye
A short-sighted eye has typically grown longer than the normal-sighted eye. The refractive power of the cornea or lens is too strong, so incoming light rays are brought together at a focal point that lies in front of the retina, and objects at a distance appear blurred. Short-sightedness can be corrected by reducing the refractive power, thereby shifting the focal point backwards.
How we treat myopia
Which treatment may be relevant depends on your individual measurements and visual needs. At the free assessment, we clarify your options for eye treatment.
ReLEx SMILE Pro
A flapless laser method performed through a 2–4 mm opening. Because no corneal flap is created, flap-related complications are avoided.
Typically considered for: Myopia with or without astigmatism.
Treatment range: Laser treatment, ages 18–45. Short-sightedness up to −8 D. Astigmatism up to 5 D.
LASIK
A thin corneal flap is created and the tissue beneath reshaped with an excimer laser. Vision usually stabilises quickly after the treatment.
Typically considered for: A wide range of prescriptions.
Treatment range: Laser treatment, ages 18–45. Short-sightedness up to −8 D. Long-sightedness up to +5 D. Astigmatism up to 5 D.
ICL lenses
A soft lens placed inside the eye in front of the natural lens, leaving the cornea untouched. It can be removed if circumstances change.
Typically considered for: Higher prescriptions or thinner corneas.
Treatment range: Permanent contact lens, ages 18–45. Short-sightedness up to −18 D. Long-sightedness up to +10 D. Astigmatism up to 6 D.
PRK / LASEK
A surface treatment working on the outer corneal layer without creating a flap. Recovery takes longer but suits thinner corneas.
Typically considered for: Thinner corneas.
Treatment range: Laser treatment, ages 18–45. Short-sightedness up to −6 D. Astigmatism up to 3 D.
Trifocal lenses
A lens treatment for people over 45 that can correct presbyopia and short-sightedness at the same time.
Learn more →
What the process involves
Free assessment
A thorough assessment for eye treatment lasting around 1–2 hours. Based on the examination, we clarify which treatment options may be relevant for you.
Your options
Our experienced treatment team goes through which methods may be relevant for you, what they involve and the risks associated with them.
Treatment
The treatment is carried out with local anaesthetic drops and takes around 15 minutes per eye. Most patients therefore feel little or no discomfort.
Follow-up
Scheduled check-ups are included in your all-inclusive treatment price.
Learn more at our free webinars and information evenings
We regularly hold information evenings and webinars where our eye doctors explain the treatments at EuroEyes and answer questions.
“Many patients describe the moment afterwards as a quiet shift – simply waking up and seeing the world clearly, without reaching for glasses or lenses.”Dr. Jørn Slot Jørgensen – Founder, Medical Director and CEO of EuroEyes
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Frequently asked questions
Can myopia be cured permanently?
Laser and lens treatments correct the refractive error so that light focuses correctly on the retina. The underlying shape of the eye is not changed back, and the correction does not prevent the natural age-related changes that affect near vision from around the mid-40s.
At what age can I be treated?
From 18, provided your prescription has been stable for at least 12 months. If it is still changing, treatment is normally postponed until it settles.
Is my prescription too high for laser?
Very high prescriptions or thinner corneas may make laser unsuitable. ICL is often the option considered in those cases. Your assessment will establish what applies to your eyes.
Will I need glasses again later?
Most people develop presbyopia from around their mid-40s and need reading glasses, whether or not they have had laser treatment. Lens-based options exist at that stage.
Suitability guide
Which treatment options might be relevant for you?
Four quick questions for a first, no-obligation indication of which treatments may be relevant based on your answers.
Anonymous and non-binding. This is guidance, not a medical assessment or diagnosis.
Arrange your free assessment
Book a free, no-obligation assessment at your nearest EuroEyes clinic in Copenhagen, Aarhus or Aalborg.
