When it is malignant, the affected person will need to be monitored. Myopia generally appears in childhood. About six percent of children between the ages of seven and eleven are myopic and this number rises between the ages of eleven and twelve. Headaches are also one of the first signs that there might be a problem. The retina in near sighted people tends to be more taut and this can result in tearing or detachment.
Myopic people are also more prone to glaucoma, cataracts and spots in front of the eyes.
Anyone who is near sighted should have regular check ups. Once the optician diagnoses the problem he will prescribe corrective glasses or contact lenses. At first they may only be needed for reading, watching television or using the computer but as time goes on they will probably have to be worn all the time. Contact lenses are often preferred because they are more practical and they give a wider visual field. Studies have also shown that contact lenses can actually help prevent myopia progressing.