Published: 21 December 2020 | Updated: 27 September 2026 | Author: Smart Vision Optometry
Editorial and clinical update — 28 September 2026: The original article/interview body below is retained in its editorial form, including its attributed quotations and narrative structure. Current evidence and clinical guidance are presented separately below and should be relied on where older wording or claims differ.
The nearsightedness epidemic currently blocking and blurring the distance vision of millions of people worldwide isn’t stopping there, either in terms of its fast-paced growth, or in its effect on lives, which goes far beyond plain sight. Instead studies and research are linking myopia and its prevalence growth to an increasing number of lifestyle and health issues according to Gary Rodney, Sydney-based fellow of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (FIAOMC), and founder of the Smart Vision Optometry (SVO) system.
He raised concerns about the effect of myopia on eye health and everyday life. His wider views about education, behaviour and wellbeing are explored in the interview below; these should not be read as established effects of a refractive error. As a result many countries, eye health organisations and practitioners like him are currently campaigning to increase the awareness regarding myopia and the often-overlooked consequences of this refraction error.
This, Rodney says, is in a bid to find ways to control or manage the incurable (but treatable) impairment, and slow its progression from low myopic levels to higher levels of myopia, while reducing the speed at which it is spreading round the globe.
A Common Vision Problem Around the World
Myopia causes light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it, making distant objects appear blurred. It commonly begins during childhood, and progression varies between individuals. The original undated global prevalence estimate has been removed.
Rodney drew attention to eye-health risks beyond blurred distance vision. Higher myopia is associated with increased risks of conditions including glaucoma, retinal detachment and myopic macular changes. Risk is not a prediction of an individual outcome. The interview also explores his views about how difficulty seeing might influence activities; myopia alone does not establish a cause or diagnosis of a learning, mental-health or personality problem.
How Myopia Can Affect Lives
“Everything, including life, and how they react to it in directions they take, career choices, future plans, action and behaviour, can be affected by nearsightedness. To those with myopia, all of these can seem just as blurred and hard to interpret, understand, or apply to their lives, as those objects they try to look at which are more than 20ft away,” Rodney says.
“Only items close by are clearly seen. This can lead to an adjustment of interests, actions and entire lifestyles to match with what they can see clearly and easily understand. Avoidance, on the other hand, van appear to make better sense to them when either sight or mind are challenged by what’s physically or mentally far away, or requires the ‘bigger picture’ that broadens interest, increases curiosity, and allows for being able to explore different perspectives when viewing long-term concepts or thinking about the future.”
For more information on myopia, its treatment and management, or to make an appointment for a consultation, visit the Smart Vision website: Optometrists Sydney: Optometry Services For Children and Adults | Smart Vision; for specific information about Myopia treatment and prevention visit Myopia Prevention: Solutions, Control And Treatment In Sydney; and for detailed information about Myopia Treatment visit Orthokeratology In Sydney: The Non Surgical Alternative.
Book an appointment for a thorough eye check-up or Call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.
Editorial update: perspective and clinical evidence
Gary’s original quotations are retained as his interview perspective. The descriptions of distant vision and the “bigger picture” should not be used to infer a person’s personality, interests, learning ability or mental health from their prescription. The distance at which vision becomes blurred varies; 20 feet is not a universal threshold. Glasses and contact lenses can correct distance blur.
For symptoms and assessment, see the National Eye Institute’s myopia guide. Related articles discuss myopia-control options, questions for parents and routine eye care.
What symptoms need urgent assessment?
Seek immediate eye care or attend an emergency department if you suddenly notice many new floaters, flashes of light or a dark curtain or shadow across your vision. Sudden vision loss also needs urgent assessment. Do not wait for your next scheduled eye test.
These symptoms can be signs of retinal detachment, although other causes are possible. Only an examination can determine what is happening. The National Eye Institute’s retinal-detachment guidance explains why prompt treatment matters.
Frequently asked questions
Does having myopia mean I will lose my sight?
No. Myopia can increase the risk of some eye conditions, particularly at higher levels, but risk is not a prediction of an individual outcome. Regular care and prompt assessment of new symptoms matter.
Do glasses remove the need for eye-health checks?
No. Glasses can correct distance blur, while an examination also assesses eye health and the need for monitoring or treatment.
Should I wait if I suddenly see flashes or many new floaters?
No. Seek immediate eye care or an emergency assessment, particularly with a curtain-like shadow or sudden vision loss.
Arrange a myopia assessment
Explore our myopia assessment and management service. Contact the Bondi Beach practice or Mosman practice for routine appointments. For further background, visit our myopia website and orthokeratology website.
