A measurement of -10 diopters describes a high degree of nearsightedness (myopia). The numerical value indicates the refractive power of the lens required to correct vision to 20/20. For example, an individual with this level of refractive error experiences significant difficulty seeing distant objects clearly without corrective lenses such as glasses or contact lenses.
Correcting significant nearsightedness is important for several reasons. Functionally, clear distance vision is essential for daily activities such as driving, recognizing faces, and participating in sports. Furthermore, individuals with high myopia are at increased risk for certain ocular complications, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration. Early and consistent correction can help manage vision and facilitate timely detection of potential complications during regular eye exams.
