Shortsightedness (Myopia)

Shortsightedness, or myopia, is an optical defect of vision (refractive defect) resulting from the eye being too long or the refractive power of the optical system of the eye being too high. If the parallel rays of light coming into the eye should fall exactly to the point of sharpest vision in the retina, the eye must be kept in proper ratio of the length and strength of the optical system. If the eye is too long, the rays get in front of the retina, which then results in a blurry image. If the powers increase even after the 20th year of life, myopia is associated with degenerative changes of the retina and vitreous.