Affects

1/4

of the population, a figure that is rising

Can be corrected using two

2

techniques, laser and intraocular lenses

Myopia of more than

8

dioptres implies a risk of glaucoma and detached retina

What is myopia?

Also known as nearsightedness, it is a refractive defect or error in visual focusing, which has the following characteristics:

  • Images are focused in front of the retina and not on it, making long distance vision difficult.
  • It usually appears in childhood and develops approximately until the age of 20, when it tends to stabilise
  • If the refractive error is greater than eight dioptres, it is referred to as high myopia, which can involve serious specific visual risks and complications.

What causes it?

  • It occurs when the eyeball is elongated or the cornea is more curved than usual.
  • People with a family history of myopia are more likely to suffer from it.

How can it be prevented?

It is not possible to prevent nearsightedness. Regular eye tests however, especially for children, help to detect it in its early stages.

Symptoms

A nearsighted person sees objects clearly if they are close up, but blurred if they are at a distance.

It usually appears in school-age children, so it is important to be attentive to possible symptoms.

The most common symptoms are:

  • Difficulty in seeing what the teacher writes on the blackboard
  • Holding books very close to the eyes to read
  • Sitting close to the television
  • Squinting to make distant objects appear sharper

As this refractive error develops while children are growing, it is necessary to change glasses or contact lenses frequently.

Associated treatments

It can be corrected by wearing glasses or contact lenses. People who prefer not to wear glasses or contact lenses can opt for refractive surgery.

Very rarely is surgery advisable before the age of 20, when it stabilises.

Treatment mainly consists of applying a laser to the surface or internal layers of the cornea (Lasik). Other less common techniques include the implantation of rings.

In cases of high myopia or when Lasik is contraindicated, none of these corneal procedures is recommended. The best option is the implantation of phakic intraocular lenses (between the cornea and the crystalline lens).

About 80% of the success of surgery depends on proper diagnosis and selection of the most suitable technique.

FAQs

IMO Institute of Ocular Microsurgery

Josep María Lladó, 3
08035 Barcelona
Phone: (+34) 934 000 700
E-mail: international@imo.es
See map on Google Maps

By car

GPS navigator coordinates:
41º 24’ 38” N – 02º 07’ 29” E

Exit 7 of the Ronda de Dalt (mountain side). The clinic has a car park with more than 200 parking spaces.

By bus

Autobus H2: Rotonda de Bellesguard, parada 1540

Autobus 196: Josep Maria Lladó-Bellesguard, parada 3191

Autobuses H2, 123, 196: Ronda de Dalt – Bellesguard, parada 0071

IMO Madrid

C/ Valle de Pinares Llanos, 3
28035 Madrid
Phone: (+34) 910 783 783
See map in Google Maps

Public transport

Metro Lacoma (líne 7)
Autobuses:

  • Lines 49 & 64, stop “Senda del Infante”
  • Line N21, stop “Metro Lacoma”

Timetables

Patient care:
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

IMO Andorra

Av. de les Nacions Unides, 17
AD700 Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra
Phone: (+376) 688 55 44
See map in Google Maps

IMO Manresa

C/ Carrasco i Formiguera, 33 (Baixos)
08242 – Manresa
Tel: (+34) 938 749 160
See map in Google Maps

Public transport

FGC. Line R5 & R50 direction Manresa. Station/Stop: Baixador de Manresa

Timetables

Monday to Friday, 08:30 A.M – 13:30 PM / 15:00 PM – 20:00 PM

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