What is Myopia?

Myopia, or near-sightedness, is a common refractive error that occurs when the eye does not correctly refract light towards a single focal point to see images clearly.
OPC’s Vision for World Sight Day 2020

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Myopia, or near-sightedness, is a common refractive error that occurs when the eye does not correctly refract light towards a single focal point to see images clearly. At a distance, vision is blurry, but close, it is sharp. When a person is nearsighted, they can see better up close than far.

Causes of Myopia

In a normal eye, the image of objects is projected onto the retina. The cornea and lens, the lenses in the front of the eye, work to produce a sharp image on the retina. With myopia, the point of sharpness is not on the retina, but in front of it. Most often, this phenomenon is related to an eyeball that is too long.

Symptoms of Myopia

Blurry and impaired vision when looking at details at a distance.

Diagnosis of Myopia

Myopia is diagnosed with a comprehensive eye exam is diagnosed with a comprehensive eye exam, including a refraction assessment and an eye health exam.

Treatment of Myopia

Myopia is corrected with glasses or contact lenses. 

Other eye Conditions

Carte des pays en Afrique francophone. La carte montre les pays d'intervention de l'OPC. L’Organisation pour la Prévention de la Cécité (OPC) intervient en Afrique Francophone
OPC fights Myopia, blindness and prevents blindness by empowering francophone africans through sustainable access to sight.

Francophone Africa is frequently overlooked by international development stakeholders when it comes to restoring sight and providing quality eye care. The Organization for the Prevention of Blindness (OPC) works with local governments, civil society organizations and communities to fight blindness, restore vision, encourage local ownership of eye health care systems and ensure human right to sight.

Patient Stories