The Difference Between Farsightedness and Nearsightedness

The Difference Between Farsightedness and Nearsightedness

            woman with nearsightedness

Both farsightedness and nearsightedness (hyperopia and myopia, respectively) are considered "refractive errors." In other words, when light enters the eye, the image doesn't focus correctly on the retina (a light-sensitive layer of tissue on the inside of the back of your eyes). 

Causes of Farsightedness and Nearsightedness

  • In people with nearsightedness, visual images focus on a point somewhere in front of the retina. Such people often have eyeballs that are too long or corneas that are too curved. 
  • In people with farsightedness, visual images focus on a point somewhere "behind" the retina (in theory, of course). Such people often have eyeballs that are too short or corneas that are too flat.

So, what does this mean? Nearsighted symptoms include blurry vision when looking far away, but clear vision when looking at nearby objects. Farsighted symptoms are more or less the opposite: clear vision when looking at distant objects, but blurry vision when looking at objects close up. People who are farsighted may have issues reading books and text messages, whereas people who are nearsighted tend to have trouble looking at whiteboards and street signs. 

People with refractive errors can be born with a predisposition for them or develop them over time due to repetitive eye strain or other underlying health conditions.

How Our Optometrists Treat Nearsighted and Farsighted Conditions

Of course, understanding the difference between these two conditions is useful for more than just good trivia. Our Sandy Springs optometrists can test your eyesight to determine exactly the degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness you have, and then provide you with the right vision correction services you need, which may include:

  • Prescription glasses and sunglasses
  • Prescription contact lenses
  • Pre- and post-surgical care for LASIK eye surgery

Contact Our Eye Doctors for A Checkup Today

Do you have a hard time seeing things far away or close up? Schedule an appointment with a Sandy Springs optometrist today by calling the Eye 1st Vision Center at 404-252-1702. 

Request An Appointment

We strive for excellence in providing for your complete eye care needs.

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Monday

OPEN 9:00AM-6:00PM

Tuesday

OPEN 9:00AM-6:00PM

Wednesday

OPEN 9:00AM-6:00PM

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OPEN 9:00AM-6:00PM

Friday

OPEN 8:00AM-5:00PM

Saturday

OPEN 9:00AM-2:00PM

Sunday

Closed

Monday
OPEN 9:00AM-6:00PM
Tuesday
OPEN 9:00AM-6:00PM
Wednesday
OPEN 9:00AM-6:00PM
Thursday
OPEN 9:00AM-6:00PM
Friday
OPEN 8:00AM-5:00PM
Saturday
OPEN 9:00AM-2:00PM
Sunday
Closed

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