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This is an exceptionally common type of refractive error that requires the individual to wear spectacles or contact lenses. This is the result of the image being focused in front of the retina and occurs either as a result of a long eye ball or the cornea being steep. This results in distance images being blurred however, short sighted individuals are still able to see for near without spectacles. Short sighted individuals have a negative or minus number denoting the prescription.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Spectacles and Contact Lenses form the mainstay of non-surgical treatment options. They are non-invasive and generally safe. They can however be quite inconvenient depending on the degree of short sightedness.
Surgical Treatment
These are new lenses are designed to give a more seamless visual transition from distance to near. They are a variant of multifocal lenses. One such IOL is the Tecnis Symfony lens. Dr Tint was the first in Edinburgh to implant this lens.
1. Laser Eye Surgery
This utilises a laser to alter the shape of the cornea to alter how it focuses the image on the retina. Procedures include PRK, LASIK and LASEK. Each of these options have their pros and cons and your refractive surgeon should discuss these with you.
2. Implantable Lenses
Where the degree of short sightedness is too high for laser or there are other contraindications to laser then the placement of an artificial lens behind the iris and in front of the natural lens may prove to be an excellent way to correct a person’s short sightedness.
3. Lens Surgery
Often referred to as Clear Lens Extraction (CLE) or Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), this proceed is more suited to people over the age of 45 and involves the removal of the natural lens and placing a clear artificial lens in its place to correct the prescription. This option can correct both the distance and near vision depending on the type of intraocular lens chosen.
