Myopia is a fairly common eye condition that is often referred to as short-sightedness. It is a refractive error that occurs when the eye is slightly longer and rounder than it should be. Due to this shape, the light converges just in front of the retina which creates a blurred, out of focus image at a distance. There are a number of forms of myopia, but among the most common are: physiological myopia, pathological myopia and acquired myopia.

Forms of Myopia

Physiological myopia is by far the most common form of this condition. Essentially, this is a simple physical mismatch between the length of the eyeball and the focusing power of the lens and cornea. Physiological myopia usually develops in children and worsens with age. Pathological myopia is far less common that the former and whilst it begins as physiological myopia, it does not stabilise with age. Acquired myopia occurs after infancy and is often attributed to uncontrolled diabetes or certain forms of cataracts.

Myopia correction, in the form of refractive laser eye surgery, reshapes the front of the cornea to allow the light to refocus precisely. This newly improved path of light refraction eliminates the effects of short-sightedness.

Myopia Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of short-sightedness include:

• Headaches caused by constant squinting or frowning when trying to read.

• Blurry vision at a distance.

This can affect everyday situations that require distant vision. Some examples include: social gatherings, ability to play or watch sport, reading at a distance, driving or even watching television.

For this reason, people who suffer from myopia usually rely heavily on corrective eyewear - in the form of either glasses or contact lenses. Although this is a method that does work well in aiding the treatment of myopia, it also presents certain disadvantages. Glasses are often lost or broken and if so, require costly replacing or new lenses. Contacts too can be high maintenance - with expensive solutions and a fiddlesome routine.

Myopia Treatment

Laser eye surgery is a very good option for those looking to correct myopic symptoms on a long-term basis. By reshaping the cornea and changing the path of refracted light, the need for corrective eyewear is eradicated and vision is corrected. There are two forms of laser eye surgery that are ideal for myopia treatment. LASIK and LASEK/PRK surgery both involve slightly adjusting the shape of the cornea to adjust the light refraction and correct the effects of myopia.

Above the fact that this is a lasting, rewarding and statistically sound option, is the benefit that this particular form of laser eye surgery is virtually painless, involving little to no discomfort. The procedure itself doesn't take long and in the case of LASIK, no anaesthetic is required.

The Benefits of Refractive Surgery

After laser eye surgery, you will experience almost instantaneous results and see the world clearly without having to rely on glasses or worry about contact lenses. Not only will this treatment give you a newfound freedom of sight, but it can also have dramatic positive implications on everyday activities. Watching TV or sport and reading is made more enjoyable and social situations are improved as one is able to recognise faces easily. The visual outcomes of LASIK and LASEK laser eye surgery are the same, allowing patients to experience vast vision improvement with maximum convenience. Patients often say that after having undergone treatment for myopia, their self-esteem is boosted, along with their confidence!

Other eye conditions that can be successfully treated with laser eye surgery include:

• Astigmatism

• Hyperopia (long-sightedness)

• Presbyopia (ageing eye)