Myopia (short-sightedness or near-sightedness)

If the cornea and lens are too strong, or if the eye is too long, then light will be focused in front of the retina. Objects in the distance are blurred but those closer are in focus.

Nearly 25% of people in Australia are myopic. This usually develops while the eye is still growing during childhood or adolescence and stabilises when full growth is reached.

No-one knows exactly what causes myopia but it is likely that both inherited and environmental factors play a role.