Medically reviewed by Dr. Ben Wild

Myopia vs Farsighted: Understanding the Differences

If you find yourself struggling to see distant objects clearly or experiencing blurry vision when reading a book up close, you might be dealing with one of two common vision problems: myopia or farsightedness. These refractive errors affect millions of people worldwide, causing visual discomfort and making everyday tasks challenging. Understanding the differences between myopia and farsightedness is crucial for seeking the appropriate treatment and maintaining healthy eyesight.

What is Myopia vs Farsightedness?

Myopia (nearsightedness) causes distant objects to look blurry because the eye has elongated too much or the cornea, the clear tissue at the front of the eye, is too curved. This causes light to focus in front of the retina. Farsightedness (hyperopia) does the opposite—close objects appear blurry because the eyeball is too short or the cornea too flat, making light focus behind the retina. Both myopia and farsightedness are refractive errors that affect the clarity of vision at different distances. They can cause symptoms such as:

Blurred vision
Eye strain
Headaches
Squinting

Causes of Myopia and Farsightedness

The development of myopia and hyperopia is primarily influenced by the shape of the eyeball and the curvature of the cornea. In the case of myopia, the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, or a mixture of both, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This mismatch between the eye's focusing power and its length results in blurred distant vision. Conversely, farsightedness occurs when the eyeball is too short or the cornea is too flat. This causes light rays to focus behind the retina, leading to difficulty seeing close objects clearly. The eye's focusing power may not be strong enough to compensate for the shorter eye length or flatter cornea.
Did You Know?
If one or both parents have a refractive error, their children are more likely to develop the same condition. However, environmental factors such as spending less time outdoors and excessive near work can also contribute to the progression of myopia.

Symptoms of Both Vision Conditions

Myopia and hyperopia, while both refractive errors, present with distinct symptoms that can impact daily life. In myopia, the most noticeable symptom is blurred vision when looking at distant objects. This can make activities like reading road signs or recognizing faces from afar challenging. Squinting or partially closing the eyelids is a common coping mechanism for those with myopia, as it temporarily improves focus. On the other hand, hyperopia is characterized by either excessive strain with, or blurred, close-up vision and eye strain. Reading, writing, or working on close-range tasks for extended periods can cause discomfort and fatigue in the eyes. Farsighted individuals may find themselves holding objects further away to see them more clearly. Both myopia and farsightedness can lead to headaches due to the constant strain on the eyes. These headaches often occur after prolonged visual tasks, such as reading or working on a computer. Additionally, both conditions can cause difficulty in various visual tasks, leading to reduced efficiency and productivity.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the terms 'myopia' and 'hyperopia' come from Greek? Myopia means 'closed eye,' while hyperopia means 'over-sight.'

How to Diagnose Myopia vs Farsightedness

Diagnosing myopia and hyperopia requires a comprehensive eye exam, which includes a vision test. During the exam, your optometrist will assess your visual acuity using an eye chart, measuring how well you can see at various distances. This helps determine the severity of your refractive error and whether you are nearsighted or farsighted. Additionally, your optometrist will perform a series of lens tests to evaluate how light focuses in relation to your retina. By placing different lenses in front of your eyes and assessing your vision, they can determine if you have myopia or hyperopia. This process, called refraction, helps your eye doctor pinpoint the exact prescription needed to correct your vision. Did You Know? The eyeglass prescription you receive after an eye exam contains specific measurements, such as sphere, cylinder, and axis, which indicate the type and degree of your refractive error.

Treatment Options Available

When it comes to correcting myopia and farsightedness, prescription glasses and contact lenses are the most common solutions. These custom-made lenses help compensate for the refractive errors in your eyes, allowing light to focus properly on your retina. This, in turn, provides clearer vision at the desired distance—whether you're nearsighted or farsighted. For those seeking a more permanent solution, refractive surgery, such as LASIK, may be an option. This procedure involves reshaping the cornea using a precise laser, effectively altering its curvature to improve how light focuses on the retina. While surgery can offer long-term vision correction, it's essential to discuss the risks and benefits with your optometrist to determine if you're a suitable candidate. Tip: If you're considering contact lenses, understanding the differences between daily and monthly lenses can help you make an informed decision based on your lifestyle and preferences.

Understanding Which Condition Might Affect You More

When it comes to myopia vs farsightedness, certain lifestyle factors and daily activities can make one condition more challenging than the other. For instance, if your profession involves a lot of close-up work, such as writing, drawing, or working on a computer, being farsighted may prove more problematic. The constant need to focus on nearby objects can lead to eye strain, headaches, and reduced productivity. On the other hand, if you spend a significant amount of time driving or engaging in outdoor activities, being nearsighted might be more concerning. Blurry distant vision can make it difficult to read road signs, recognize faces, or enjoy scenic views. In such cases, correcting myopia becomes a priority for safety and overall quality of life. Did You Know? The prevalence of myopia and hyperopia can vary across different age groups and populations. While farsightedness is more common in children and tends to improve with age, myopia often develops during the school years and may worsen over time, especially with increased near work and reduced outdoor activities.

FAQ

What is worse, nearsighted or farsighted?

What is the difference between myopia, hyperopia, and presbyopia?

How do I tell if I'm nearsighted or farsighted?

Is astigmatism considered nearsighted or farsighted?

Can astigmatism be corrected?

Is 0.75 considered nearsighted or farsighted?

Does nearsightedness worsen with age?