Nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia or presbyopia) are well-known refractive errors or refractive eye diseases that affect millions of people all over the world. Although you may wear glasses and visit a specialist, you may not understand the difference between the two eye diseases. Here is a quick primer to help you get more familiar with your vision:
Nearsightedness (myopia)
Patients with nearsightedness have a long eyeball and a steep cornea, which causes light to focus in front of the retina. This is why patients that are nearsighted can see things that are close but have blurred vision of distant objects.
It can be hereditary, and if both parents are nearsighted, then the child has a higher chance of being nearsighted as well. Myopia has other causes as well, including a curved cornea or thick lens. Studies are also linking nearsightedness to spending time in front of a screen, reading, writing and a lack of natural sunlight may also contribute.
Nearsightedness is often detected during childhood and corrected with glasses and contact lenses. Refractive surgery, LASIK surgery, and PRK surgery, as well as lens replacement surgery, may all be treatment options for nearsightedness.
Farsightedness (hypermetropia)
Farsightedness, also called hypermetropia, refers to the eye’s inability to focus. When it is related to age, it is known as presbyopia. Farsighted people can see distant objects more clearly than closer objects, but vision is generally blurry at distance as well. It occurs when the eyeball is short, preventing light rays from focusing on the retina.
Heredity is one cause of farsightedness. It may also occur as part of the natural aging process.
Glasses and contacts are the first treatments for farsightedness. Some cases may also benefit from various types of refractive surgery.
In 1996, Orlando eye surgeon, Dr. Magruder, opened his practice and introduced locals to Central Florida’s first refractive surgery center. Since then, he has continued to innovate by introducing game-changing technology and pursuing ongoing education to master the latest techniques. To learn more about the Orlando eye surgeon at Magruder Laser Vision can do for you, call us at (407) 843-5665 or read our blog for more information!
