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Nearsightedness


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OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Nearsightedness

Alternative Names:

Myopia; Shortsightedness
Symptoms:
  1. Blurred vision or squinting when trying to see distant objects (children often cannot read the blackboard, but can easily read a book).
  2. Eyestrain.
  3. Headaches (uncommon).

Signs and tests:

A general eye examination, or standard ophthalmic exam may include:

  1. Visual acuity, both at a distance (Snellen), and close up (Jaeger)
  2. Refraction test, to determine the correct prescription for glasses
  3. Test of color vision, to test for possible color blindness
  4. Tests of the muscles which move the eyes
  5. Slit-lamp exam of the structures at the front of the eyes
  6. Measurement of the pressure of fluid in the eyes
  7. Retinal examination
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