Myopia (Nearsightedness) and Hyperopia (Farsightedness) are the two most common vision problems. Myopia causes distant objects to appear blurry, while hyperopia makes close objects look blurry. Understanding the differences between these two refractive errors is crucial for choosing the appropriate correction methods and maintaining eye health. This article will discuss the definitions, symptoms, correction methods, and prevention measures for myopia and hyperopia in detail.
Myopia vs. Hyperopia
What is Myopia?
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common refractive error. In myopia, the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This results in distant objects appearing blurry while close objects remain clear. The exact cause of myopia is not entirely understood, but research indicates that it primarily involves genetic and environmental factors. For example, myopia often runs in families, and prolonged near work (such as reading and using electronic devices) is also considered an important environmental factor contributing to myopia.
What is Hyperopia?
Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, is another common refractive error. In hyperopia, the eyeball is too short or the cornea is not curved enough, causing light to focus behind the retina. This makes close objects appear blurry while distant objects are usually clear. Similar to myopia, hyperopia is caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Many hyperopia patients have a family history of the condition. Additionally, incomplete development of the eyeball or abnormal corneal shape can also lead to hyperopia.
Symptoms of Myopia & Hyperopia
- Blurred vision: in myopia, blurring occurs when looking at near objects, and it is necessary to wear myopia glasses in order to see the TV or film screen in the distance; in hyperopia, blurring occurs when looking at near objects, and it is necessary to wear presbyopia glasses in order to read or do work in the near distance.
- Visual fatigue: Myopia, fatigue when using eyes at close range; hyperopia, fatigue when using eyes to look at a distance for a long period of time.
- Headache: Headache when working or reading at close range as the eyes struggle to focus; headache caused by overuse of the eyes due to unclear vision.
Myopia vs. Hyperopia
- Focal Point
Myopia: Light focuses in front of the retina.
Hyperopia: Light focuses behind the retina.
- Clarity of Vision
Myopia: Close objects are clear, distant objects are blurry.
Hyperopia: Distant objects are clear, close objects are blurry.
- Causes
Myopia: Mainly caused by genetic factors and prolonged near work.
Hyperopia: Mainly caused by genetic factors and abnormal eyeball development.
How Do You Treat Refractive Errors?
Refractive errors are common and usually easy to treat, depending on the degree of error. Based on your vision needs, an optometrist will recommend glasses or contact lenses to help improve your vision.
Glasses: Glasses are the simplest method to correct refractive errors. Myopia patients use concave lenses, while hyperopia patients use convex lenses to help light focus correctly on the retina. For children with myopia, specially designed myopia control(defocus) lenses can effectively slow the progression of myopia.
Contact Lenses: Contact lenses are another common correction method, suitable for people who do not like wearing glasses or have specific needs. Contact lenses can provide a wider field of vision and reduce image distortion. However, they require more care and are not recommended for long-term wear as they may cause corneal inflammation. Contact lenses need to be cleaned and disinfected with special solutions when removed.
Laser Surgery: Laser surgery is a permanent method to correct myopia and hyperopia, such as LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) or PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy). Laser surgery reshapes the cornea to help light focus correctly on the retina, thereby improving vision. Consultation with a professional is necessary to ensure safety before surgery.
How to Prevent Vision Problems
Although refractive errors have genetic factors, some methods can reduce the risk of myopia or hyperopia:
- Reasonable Eye Use
Avoid overusing the eyes. Take a 20-30 second break every 20 minutes while working, reading, or using a phone, and look at distant objects to relax the eyes. Do not read or work in dim light, and avoid using phones in the dark at night, as this can severely damage the eyes and rapidly increase the risk of myopia or hyperopia.
- Healthy Diet
Consume foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as zinc and omega-3 fatty acids to maintain eye health. Avoid high-sugar foods, which may increase the risk of myopia.
- Regular Eye Exams
Regular eye exams can detect and correct vision problems early, preventing the further development of refractive errors.
- Timely Use or Update of Glasses
If you experience myopia or hyperopia, get your vision tested and wear suitable glasses promptly to prevent worsening of the condition.
Don’t Let Refractive Errors Prevent Clear Vision
Whether you have myopia or hyperopia, we at Aogang Optical are here to provide the suitable lenses you need.
