Visual health is essential! That is why we recommend yearly eye exams. This is especially important if you have been struggling to see near or far. Your optometrist can help you see by prescribing the proper lens to correct your vision, whether you are myopic or hypermetropic. But, what exactly do these scientific terms actually mean and, how do they alter your eyesight?
What is myopia?
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, means that your eyes can see objects that are close but distant objects are blurry. Basically, myopia is a refractive error, caused by either the eyeball being too long or the cornea having too much curvature, which does not allow enough light to be focused on the retina, the sensory layer of the eye.
This very common condition affects about 30% of the Canadian population. Usually, it develops during childhood and adolescence and usually increases until the age of twenty.
The cause may be hereditary or due to environmental factors. Environmental factors include, for example, the prolonged use of near vision for reading and the use of electronic devices. However, it is possible to slow the progression of myopia in children.
What is hypermetropia?
Often referred to as farsightedness, hypermyopia is, contrary to myopia, a condition that blurs objects that are close. Although this may sound a little like the symptoms of presbyopia, it is very different. Presbyopia is an age-related condition in which the lens of the eye becomes less flexible. While with hyperopia, the eyeball is too short or the corneal curvature is not pronounced enough. These two conditions do not allow the image to be properly focused on the retina.
Severe farsightedness is usually hereditary, although two parents who do not have farsightedness can have a farsighted child. This condition forces your eyes to make an extra effort to see near and far.
It can cause eye strain, fluctuating or blurred vision, general fatigue, or headaches. Symptoms can be avoided with regular visits to your optometrist. During the eye exam, he or she will be able to determine the refractive error and prescribe the appropriate corrective lenses.
What is the difference between myopia and hyperopia?
Myopia and hyperopia are two very different types of vision conditions. What they do have in common, however, is the ability of the eye to focus light on the retina. They also share some common symptoms like headaches and eye strain.
Briefly, it's possible to say that hyperopia is somewhat the opposite of myopia. Besides, a person cannot be both myopic and hypermetropic in the same eye. With myopia, distant objects appear blurry while near vision is not affected. With hyperopia, it is usually nearby objects that appear blurry. However, many cases of hyperopia blur objects at all distances.
Glasses or contact lenses are ideal solutions for these two conditions! It's time to get your eyes checked if you find that your vision is blurry:
- when you are driving;
- when you look at the chalkboard in class;
- while reading a book;
- by viewing your text messages.
Your optometrist will be able to determine your exact vision problem. In this way, he will be able to prescribe the correct lenses for you or determine if you are a candidate for laser surgery.
The options for correcting your vision are determined based on your exact needs to help you see clearly from any distance. Consult your IRIS professionals today and experience better vision!
