Myopia, or nearsightedness, occurs when the cornea is too curved and/or the eye is too long. This causes light to focus in front of the retina, resulting in blurry distance vision.

Myopia is a common condition that affects nearly one third of the U.S. population. It typically starts to appear between the ages of 8 and 12, and almost always before age 20. The condition often worsens as the body grows, but it usually stabilizes in adulthood.

Nearsighted people have difficulty reading highway signs and seeing other objects at a distance, but can see for up-close tasks such as reading or sewing. Myopic people may have headaches or eyestrain, and might squint or feel fatigued when driving or playing sports. This may indicate the need for a comprehensive eye examination as well as a new prescription.

Glasses and contact lenses were, for years, the only way to treat myopia. Now the John-Kenyon American Eye Institute offers IntraLASIK and the Artisan Lens, as well as other forms of laser vision correction to correct myopia.