Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a common eye condition that affects roughly one-third of the population, according to the American Optometric Association. Characterized by difficulty seeing objects that are far away, nearsightedness is believed to be hereditary. Though symptoms of nearsightedness commonly develop among children who are school-age, they may also emerge later in life among adults who engage in intense, close-up visual work.
Problems Seeing Distant Objects
The cardinal symptom associated with nearsightedness is difficulty seeing objects at a distance, although objects up close can still be seen clearly. At first, you may notice that far-away objects such as highway or street signs seem blurry, and you may blink or squint to try to focus your vision on them. In severe cases of nearsightedness, you may be unaware that distant objects are even there or see only a faint, extremely blurred object that you cannot identify.
Problems seeing at a distance can lead to other changes in behavior that are made to accommodate your vision problems. For example, you may find yourself having to hold a book closer to your face in order to read the text, or you may have to sit closer to the television or movie screen. Children and adolescents who are nearsighted may be observed having to move closer to the chalkboard during class. Reduced school, athletic or work performance can occur if these visual problems are not corrected.
According to the American Optometric Association, these nearsightedness symptoms may be particularly more likely to develop in people who work for extended periods of time performing close visual work such as reading or working on a computer. In some cases, these symptoms are only temporary, caused by overuse of the eyes. While you may initially have problems focusing on distant objects, your vision may return to normal after your eyes have had time to rest. Chronic intense work such as this, however, can lead to permanent nearsightedness over time.
Eyestrain and Irritation
People who are nearsighted often squint to try to see clearly, and repeated squinting can lead to eyestrain. According to the Mayo Clinic, you may find yourself blinking excessively or rubbing your eyes in an attempt to clear your vision. Eyestrain can lead you to feel fatigued, and you may feel as though you are having a hard time keeping your eyes open. Driving, playing sports, or reading or working at the computer for extended periods of time can worsen eyestrain.
Headaches
Repeated squinting and eyestrain can lead to frequent or chronic headaches, according to Cigna Health. Again, adults who engage in intense, daily visual work may be particularly susceptible to developing headaches. School-age children or adolescents who complain of regular headaches should have their vision checked to determine whether daily classroom- or sports-related eyestrain is the underlying cause.
