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  • Writer's pictureJaney Yee

Myopia vs Hyperopia




Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a refractive disorder in which the eye fails to focus light properly. It causes distant objects to appear blurry while keeping close objects clear. It is caused by either an excessively long eyeball or an excessively curvy cornea. Distance vision problems, eyestrain, headaches, and squinting are all common symptoms.


Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, is a refractive disorder in which objects in the distance are clearly visible while objects in the near distance are blurred. It is caused by either a short eyeball or a cornea with too little curvature. Squinting, headaches, and difficulty seeing objects up close are all common symptoms.


The symptoms are very similar, how do I know if I'm myopic or hyperopic?

A visit to your eye doctor for an eye exam is the best way to determine whether you have hyperopia or myopia. Your doctor will use a sophisticated machine called a phoropter during the exam to measure your vision and determine if you need plus lenses or minus lenses to address your symptoms.


What type of lenses are used to correct myopia and hyperopia?

The lenses used to correct myopia are typically concave lenses, which have a curved inward surface. These lenses help to diverge light and focus it correctly onto the retina. Objects appear smaller and darker with concave lenses. For hyperopia, the lenses are usually convex lenses, which have a curved outward surface. These lenses help converge light onto the retina and make objects appear larger and closer, allowing them to be seen more clearly.


Which eye condition is more serious? Myopia or hyperopia?

Myopia or hyperopia if left untreated, can cause serious vision issues.

With uncontrolled myopia, eye conditions such as maculopathy, retinal detachment, or glaucoma can lead to loss of vision. Undiagnosed high hyperopia can lead to lazy eye, strabismus, or double vision.


It is important to get regular eye exams to diagnose both conditions early. Since myopia is more common, it's essential to correct and control this eye condition and prevent vision loss later in life. Proactive eyecare with myopia control is what @ 180 Optometry and Eyewear focuses on to provide the best service for those in Vancouver, BC.


Let us show you the clear difference, book an eye exam today by visiting our website www.180optometry.com.


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