Nearsightedness and farsightedness are two of the most common eye refractive errors out there. These irregularities damage the eye’s ability to focus light properly. For one to see clearly, light must be refracted through the cornea to focus on the retina located at the back of the eye. Blurred vision occurs when these light rays entering the eye fail to focus correctly on the retina.
Difference Between Nearsightedness and Farsightedness
Nearsightedness, also called myopia, is common among people with long eyeballs or those with a curved cornea. Individuals whose parents are nearsighted have a high likelihood of developing the condition.
Nearsighted individuals can see objects that are close to them clearly. But they face challenges focusing on objects that are far from them since these appear blurry. For this condition, light focuses before reaching the retina rather than directly on it.
Farsightedness, also called hyperopia, is an eye condition among people whose eyeballs are too short. For such people, the light entering the pupil focuses at a point beyond the retina as opposed to directly on it. Farsighted individuals can see objects that are far from them clearly. But these people face challenges seeing objects that are close to them since they appear blurry.
Am I Nearsighted or Farsighted?
It is possible to know if you are nearsighted or farsighted without necessarily visiting your eye doctor. But it is important to visit your eye doctor to give you a proper diagnosis of the condition. He will reveal the extent of your condition and guide you towards available treatment options.
The most obvious symptom of nearsightedness includes blurry vision when looking at distant objects. People with this condition often have to squint to see objects that are far away clearly. Other symptoms include headaches caused by eyestrain and difficulty seeing at night.
If you are farsighted, you will experience eye discomfort after performing tasks that require you to see closely. Objects that are near you will appear blurry, and you might need to squint to see important details on them. This also leads to eyestrain, eye burn, and discomfort in or around the eyes.
Treatment
The good news about these conditions is that they are easily treatable. You should begin with visiting a qualified eye doctor. This professional will conduct a few tests to determine just how mild or severe the condition is. After establishing the extent, the doctor can advise you to get eyeglasses, contacts, or corrective eye surgery.
Eyeglasses are arguably the most common option out there. They help improve vision significantly by changing the way light bends as it enters the eyes. Contact lenses are of different types and they function as eyeglasses do. However, these small lenses are placed inside the eyes and are barely noticeable.
Corrective eye surgery can be invasive or noninvasive. These procedures correct an individual’s vision so he does not need glasses or contacts.
To know more about nearsightedness and farsightedness, visit Advanced Eyecare Center at our office in Urbandale, Iowa. You can also call 515-303-4488 to book an appointment today.