- Medically Reviewed by Mr Mfazo Hove Consultant Ophthalmologist
- Author: Chris Dunnington
- Published: August 17, 2025
Understanding Myopia and Modern Vision Correction
Have you found yourself asking, “what is it called when you can’t see far away?” If distant signs, faces, or objects have become blurry, you may be experiencing myopia, widely known as short-sightedness or near-sightedness. This common condition can impact anyone, but effective solutions are available at Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic – where some of the top-rated, leading surgeons and top specialists in London, Chelmsford, Hatfield, Harley Street, and Weymouth Street deliver outstanding, tailored care.
Understanding Myopia (Short-Sightedness/Near-Sightedness)
Myopia refers to when the eye is unable to focus light properly on the retina, making distant vision blurry while near vision remains clear. Often developing during childhood or adolescence, myopia can worsen as the eye grows. Many people notice the change when they struggle to read distant whiteboards at school, have difficulty reading road signs, or sit closer than usual to the television.
Synonyms and Related Terms
- Short-sightedness
- Short-sighted
- Near-sightedness
- Near-sighted
Causes of Myopia
Myopia occurs due to the eyeball being too long or the cornea being too curved. Light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina, not directly on it, resulting in blurred distance vision. The most common factors include:
- Genetics: Having a parent with myopia raises your own risk.
- Prolonged near work: Excessive screen use or reading up close – especially in children.
- Environmental factors: Insufficient time outdoors or prolonged close-focus activities.
Symptoms of Short-Sightedness
If you notice the following, you may be developing or living with myopia:
- Blurry vision when looking at distant objects (e.g., TV screens, road signs)
- Frequent squinting to improve focus
- Eye strain or headaches after trying to see things far away
- Sitting unusually close to the television or board
- Difficulty seeing in low light
Reliable diagnosis and early intervention are key to maintaining long-term visual health.
Expert Myopia Treatments at Blue Fin Vision®
At Blue Fin Vision®, we offer the most advanced and comprehensive treatment options for myopia, aiming to reduce or eliminate your reliance on glasses or contact lenses. Our patients benefit from the expertise of top doctors and leading surgeons in the field, from London to Chelmsford and Hatfield.
Our clinic offers laser vision correction tailored to your clinical profile and vision goals:
- LASIK: The most popular option, LASIK quickly restores clear vision with minimal downtime by creating a precise flap and reshaping the cornea.
- No-touch LASEK: This gentle, surface-based procedure reshapes the cornea without a flap – ideal for those with thin corneas or active lifestyles.
- PRK: The original laser procedure, PRK is effective for correcting myopia where LASIK isn’t suitable. The recovery is longer, but results are just as life changing.
- SMILE: A minimally invasive laser option where a tiny, lens-shaped disc is removed from the cornea through a small keyhole. SMILE offers rapid healing and a strong safety profile.
Advanced Lens Surgery
For those who may not be suitable for laser correction or who have high myopia, we offer:
- ICL Surgery (Implantable Collamer Lens): A highly advanced, flexible lens is placed just behind the iris and in front of your natural lens, providing sharp, stable vision – especially for those with high prescriptions or thinner corneas.
- Lens Replacement Surgery: Also known as refractive lens exchange (RLE), this procedure involves removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens. This not only corrects myopia but also eliminates the risk of cataract development in future.
All surgery and treatment options are tailored to you following thorough testing and consultation with our top specialists.
Why Trust Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic?
Patients recommend Blue Fin Vision® for our:
- Top-rated, leading surgeons: Only the best specialists perform your procedure, ensuring the highest safety and success rates.
- World-class technology: From advanced lasers to state-of-the-art lenses, we utilise only the latest, safest equipment.
- Personalised service: Each patient, at every clinic – from Harley Street or Weymouth Street in London to Chelmsford or Hatfield – receives an individualised care plan.
- Best patient experience: Our reputation as a leading eye clinic is built on compassion, expertise, and a dedication to life-changing results.
Confidently Step Into a World of Clear Vision
Living with short-sightedness or myopia doesn’t have to mean a lifetime of glasses or contacts. With tailored solutions from Blue Fin Vision®, you can experience the freedom of sharp distance vision – whether at work, on the road, or enjoying sports and leisure.
Take the Next Step Towards Freedom from Glasses
If you’re asking, “what is it called when you can’t see far away?”, it’s time to find real answers and solutions. Trust your vision to the top doctors and specialists at Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic. Book a consultation today at our clinics in London (Harley Street, Weymouth Street), Chelmsford or Hatfield, and discover the best, most advanced treatments in lens replacement surgery, ICL surgery, and laser eye surgery including LASIK, no-touch LASEK, PRK, and SMILE.
Your journey to clearer, confident vision begins with Blue Fin Vision® – join the many who have chosen the finest care for their most precious sense.
