Who is affected by nearsightedness

Common nearsightedness (physiological myopia) affects about 1 in 4 adults.1

Severe nearsightedness, called high myopia (error of 6 diopters or more), affects about 1 in 6 people who are nearsighted.1

Pathological myopia is not common. The gradual damage to the retina caused by pathological myopia seldom appears before age 20.


Author: Robin Parks, MSLast Updated: July 7, 2007
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Carol L. Karp, MD - Ophthalmology

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