When it comes to eye conditions, nearsightedness and farsightedness are two terms that are very commonly used. However, most people do not understand them correctly or get confused between the two.
In the case of nearsightedness, people are able to see close objects clearly but have difficulty looking at objects that are placed farther away. In contrast, in far-sightedness, farther objects are clearly visible, while the ones that are close seem blurry. Both near and far vision are essential for the proper working of the eyes.
We are here to help you understand the major differences between nearsightedness and farsightedness and how they may be treated.
Difference Between Nearsightedness & Farsightedness
Let us first understand these visual problems one by one, how they are caused and what are their primary symptoms.
Nearsightedness
A nearsighted person can see nearby objects clearly, while distant objects seem blurry. It is also known as Myopia in medical terminology. Let us take a look at its causes and symptoms.
When the light reaches our eyes, it traverses from the cornea through the pupil and back to the retina. Finally, the retina passes the light off to the optic nerve and sends the electrical impulses to the brain.
People who are nearsighted have a refractive error. It means that the light is not properly focused on the retina. These errors are very much related to the shape of our eyes. One may be born with an overly rounded cornea or a long eyeball. It is also possible to develop these shapes with time.
Myopia may be attributed to issues such as the use of mobile phones and computers. Here are some of the symptoms of nearsightedness:
- Blurriness
- Headaches and eye fatigue due to eye strain
Farsightedness
Farsightedness is also known as Hyperopia. In this eye condition, one may be able to see the far away objects clearly but have difficulty looking at nearby objects.
This eye issue is also based on the eye’s shape and is usually observed when the cornea is flat or the eyeball is shorter than usual. Hyperopia is mostly hereditary. If you have farsightedness, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Difficulty while reading
- Squinting
- Pain or burning around the eyes
- Headaches while focusing on nearby objects
Treatment for Nearsightedness & Farsightedness
Talking about nearsightedness there are a few different ways to treat this eye condition. These may include:
- Eyeglasses – It is the most popular way to correct Myopia. Depending on the degree of correction required, you will have to put on the glasses either daily or when you need to look far away.
- Contact Lenses – Some people are able to see sharper and wider with contact lenses compared to eyeglasses.
- LASIK – It is the most common surgery one goes through if they have nearsightedness. In the LASIK surgery process, the doctor makes use of a laser to cut a flap through the corneal top and reshape the inner tissue of the cornea. Finally, the flap is dropped back into place.
In the case of farsightedness or Hyperopia, one may be prescribed to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses or go through refractive eye surgery.
- Eyeglasses – This is the simplest way to sharpen vision due to farsightedness.
- Contact Lenses – One may choose to wear contact lenses or eyeglasses at their convenience. Contact lenses are available in a variety of materials and designs
- Refractive Surgery (LASIK) – This surgery is rapid and doesn’t cause any discomfort compared to other surgeries.
Seek the Best Consultation!
Take care of your eyes! Give your eyes the best treatment with Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, India’s leading chain of eye hospitals. Feel free to check their website to get more details.
