Clear and healthy vision is something that we often take for granted until it starts to fade. Thankfully, a lot of vision problems are caused by simple refractive errors that are easily treated with corrective eyewear.
You’ve likely heard of the two most common refractive errors, nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia). These conditions cause our vision to become blurry and may significantly impact our daily lives. If you’re experiencing changes in your visual clarity, it’s important to have your eyes examined by a skilled optometrist to determine the cause. If a refractive error is to blame, it can be managed with the right care and attention so that you can enjoy clear vision once again.
What is Nearsightedness?
Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a common refractive error where close objects are seen clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. This occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
Myopia typically develops during childhood or adolescence and may worsen over time. If left untreated, severe myopia can increase the risk of eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment. Your optometrist can identify myopia during a regular eye exam and make recommendations to restore your vision.
Because myopia symptoms may come on gradually, you might not even notice them at first. However, they include having blurry vision when looking at distant objects, squinting to see signs or a whiteboard in class, or even trouble focusing on a television screen. You might also experience frequent headaches due to eye strain or find yourself sitting closer to the screen when using digital devices.
Treating this condition is typically achieved by using prescriptive eyeglasses. These lenses are designed to be concave, helping to focus light directly onto your retina so that distant objects appear clearer. Many myopia patients opt to wear prescriptive contact lenses as well, which offer a wider field of vision and a natural look.
In some cases, individuals may be afflicted with both nearsightedness and presbyopia, which is an age-related decline in our near vision. In this case, bifocal or progressive lenses provide different lens powers conveniently for both near and far vision.
What is Farsightedness?
This condition is also caused by a refractive error, but instead of distant objects appearing blurry, farsightedness, or hyperopia, affects your near vision. It occurs when the eyeball is too short or the cornea has insufficient curvature, causing light to focus behind the retina rather than on it.
Hyperopia is often present from birth but it may not become noticeable until adulthood, when your eye’s natural lens loses some of its focusing ability. Like myopia, severe hyperopia can lead to eye strain and discomfort.
Signs of farsightedness included blurry vision when reading or performing other tasks up close, difficulty focusing, or squinting to see nearby objects clearly. You may also notice eyestrain, headaches, or discomfort when doing near work for an extended period.
Farsighted individuals can correct their vision with prescription glasses. These glasses have convex lenses that help bring the focal point closer to the retina, allowing for clearer near vision.
If you’re experiencing mild hyperopia or an age-related decline in near vision known as presbyopia, reading glasses may be enough to provide clear vision for close up tasks like reading or using a computer. You can also opt to have your vision corrected with contact lenses that are specifically designed for near vision.
Expert Care for Your Eyes
Changes in your vision may be perfectly normal as we age, or they may indicate an underlying condition. Regular eye exams with an optometrist can detect refractive errors, as well as other eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy, in their early stages. This means you’ll receive intervention and treatment as soon as possible to ensure the best outcome.
Sometimes, what worked for you a few years ago may not be suitable anymore. Our team can update your prescription or recommend changes in your treatment plan to provide you with the clearest and most comfortable vision possible.
Our optometrists are trained not only to assess your vision, but also the overall health of your eyes. We can identify signs of eye disease even before symptoms appear, and provide recommendations for appropriate management and treatment.
While nearsightedness and farsightedness are common refractive errors that shouldn’t cause you to worry, they can significantly impact your quality of life if left untreated. Receiving regular optometry clear is the first step to ensuring clear vision.
At Northland Eye Care, we’re committed to staying up to date on leading optometry diagnostic tools and treatment protocols, so you can be assured of receiving exceptional and personalized care. Don’t allow vision problems to worsen, or potentially lead to vision loss—book a comprehensive eye exam today to ensure that your eye health and vision are protected, and invest in a clearer, brighter tomorrow.