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Who is affected by nearsightedness

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By Robin Parks, MS

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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.

References

Citations

  1. Eye Diseases Prevalence Research Group (2004). The prevalence of refractive errors among adults in the United States, western Europe, and Australia. Archives of Ophthalmology, 122(4): 495–505.

Credits

Author Robin Parks, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Michele Cronen
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Carol L. Karp, MD - Ophthalmology
Last Updated July 7, 2007
Author:Robin Parks, MS
Medical Review:Kathleen Romito, MD - Family MedicineCarol L. Karp, MD - Ophthalmology
Last Updated: 07/07/2007
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