Table of Contents
Introduction
Hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism are common vision issues that are experienced by millions of people all over the world. While all of them relate to a person having difficulty focusing light correctly on their retina, each of these conditions affects their vision differently. Having an understanding of the differences between these refractive errors is necessary to find the best path towards achieving comfortable, clear eyesight.
The following is an explanation of the symptoms, causes, and available treatments for these three vision conditions. If you seem to be having blurry vision, eye strain, or even seeing distorted images, having a good understanding of how they affect your eyesight will be helpful in improving your eyesight as well as your general vision health.
What Is Hyperopia (Farsightedness)?
Hyperopia, usually known as being farsighted, is a refractive issue in which close objects seem blurry, while at the same time, objects that are far away stay clear. This problem manifests itself when the eye is too short or the cornea does not have enough of a curve. This causes light to focus in the back of the retina instead of directly on it. Those who are affected with hyperopia may find reading or using a phone screen quite difficult and may experience eyestrain or even headaches after doing close-up work.
Hyperopia can range from mild to severe and usually develops gradually. It often goes unnoticed until it is detected during your regular vision checkups. Most of the time, it is corrected simply by using prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses that will redirect light to focus correctly on the retina. Sometimes, refractive surgery, commonly known as LASIK, is an option that is used for long-term correction of this condition.
What Is Myopia (Nearsightedness)?
Myopia, generally known as nearsightedness, is a common vision problem where objects that are nearby look clear, but objects that are distant appear blurry. This happens because a person’s eyeball is either too long or their cornea has too much curve. This causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of being focused directly on it. People usually become aware of it during childhood or adolescence, particularly when they are having trouble seeing the board in class or seeing road signs while they are driving.
As the eyes grow, this condition usually gets worse. However, it is manageable by simply wearing prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. There are also longer-term options that people often choose, like orthokeratology, which is the use of specialty contact lenses that are worn overnight. A person can also select LASIK refractive surgery, which could give longer-term solutions. In any case, the importance of having regular eye exams cannot be overstated since they can help detect vision changes and provide the very best treatments available.
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is another common refractive issue. This happens when the cornea or the lens is shaped more like a football than completely round like a basketball. Because of this uneven curvature, light is prevented from being focused evenly on one’s retina. This leads to vision that seems distorted or even blurry at all distances. If someone has astigmatism, they may have eyestrain, get headaches, or have problems with night vision.
Someone with astigmatism might also have hyperopia or myopia, which makes their eyesight issues more complicated. Astigmatism, however, is easily corrected by wearing specially designed eyeglasses or contact lenses that can make up for the irregular curve. Some people might have laser eye surgery or other available refractive procedures that can give the option for correction for the long term.
How Do The Symptoms Of Hyperopia, Myopia, And Astigmatism Differ?
Hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism may have overlapping symptoms, but there are specific characteristics that each one has which has an effect on a person’s vision.
- Hyperopia: Having difficulty reading, using the phone, or with close-up work, as well as headaches after doing close-up work for a long time. Objects that are in the distance generally remain clear unless the condition is severe.
- Myopia (nearsightedness): Objects that are far away seem blurry, so it is difficult to recognize people’s faces who are in the distance. They also have trouble reading street signs or seeing the board in class. To sharpen their vision, people will often squint, thus leading to tired eyes.
- Astigmatism: Blurred or distorted vision, both near and far. People see halos around lights, shadowed images, and glare. These issues make night driving difficult.
How Can You Tell If You Might Have One Of These Vision Problems?
If your eyesight has become blurry, if you have headaches while involved in visual tasks, and are squinting, you may think it’s possible that you have hyperopia, myopia, or astigmatism. Here are some clues identifying which of these conditions is responsible for your symptoms. If your problem is focusing on close objects, you may have hyperopia. If your issue is difficulty seeing things at a distance, then you probably have myopia. If your eyesight seems to be distorted, if you see halos around lights, glare, or double images, both near and far, then chances are you have astigmatism. The best way to know for sure, since these symptoms could be mild or even overlap, is to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist or ophthalmologist, who will confirm your condition and guide you with the best treatment options.
How Are Hyperopia, Myopia, And Astigmatism Diagnosed?
Diagnosing these vision conditions is easy and comfortable. Your eye care professional will check to determine how your eyes bend light. From there, they will decide upon the best prescription to give you the clearest eyesight possible. During a routine eye examination, you will have:
- Eye chart test: You will be reading letters or symbols from afar. This is a check on how well you can see both far and near.
- Lens Testing (phoropter): The doctor puts different lenses in front of you and will ask you, “Which looks better, one or two?” This helps the doctor determine the correct strength for you.
- Cornea measurement: There will be a pretty fast test to check the shape of your cornea. If its shape is irregular, you probably have astigmatism.
- Light test (retinoscopy): As a light shines into your eyes, the doctor will watch how it reflects. This helps him determine if you have a refractive error.
What Treatment Options Are Available For Each Condition?
Prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses are generally the first treatment recommendations for these vision issues. The prescriptions enable light to focus more correctly on the retina so that your vision becomes clearer. Glasses are the easiest solution to the problem, and they can be customized for close, distance, or everyday wear. Contact lenses can give you a wider field of vision and, for some people, they might be a more convenient option.
There are other options for long-term solutions that one might choose. LASIK, PRK, or SMILE are choices that can permanently reshape the cornea to correct how light enters our eyes. There are other specialty choices, like orthokeratology, which are contact lenses that you wear overnight. They reshape the cornea temporarily. Implantable lenses are another option that could be recommended. The best choice for you takes into consideration your age, prescription, your lifestyle, and, in general, your overall vision health. For these reasons, it is important that you consult an experienced eye care professional.
How Can Golden Vision Help Treat Your Eyes With These Conditions?
Our highly experienced team here at Golden Vision provides personally tailored care for hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism. While providing a comprehensive eye exam, we will evaluate your vision and decide upon your best treatment options. Those options could include prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other options that work best with your lifestyle. Our goal is to be sure that you enjoy the benefits of clear, comfortable vision all the time.
For our patients who are looking to improve their vision for the long term, we offer advanced treatment options. These options are designed to both correct refraction issues and sharpen your vision. Schedule an appointment as soon as possible, as this is key to taking the first step to seeing everything as sharp and as clear as possible.
