If your vision isn’t quite right, it’s likely due to a refractive error. Refractive errors occur when your eye’s shape prevents light from properly focusing on your retina. Myopia (nearsightedness) is one common type of refractive error, but it’s not the only one! Other refractive errors include hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism.
This article will explore eye conditions that affect your vision other than myopia, as well as their causes and treatments.
Regular eye exams are important for early detection and management of all types of refractive errors, so make sure you’re up to date!
What are refractive errors?
Refractive errors happen when your eye’s shape keeps light from focusing correctly on your retina. The result is blurry vision, eye strain, and even headaches.
Myopia is only one kind of refractive error. Other types include:
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Astigmatism
- Presbyopia
Each of these conditions affects your vision in a slightly different way.
Hyperopia: Understanding Farsightedness
The opposite of myopia is hyperopia, sometimes called farsightedness. People with hyperopia can typically see things at a distance, but objects nearby appear blurry.
Causes of Hyperopia
Hyperopia usually happens because the eyeball is too short, or the cornea is too flat. These anatomical quirks prevent light from focusing correctly on the retina. Refractive errors like hyperopia often run in families, so there may be a genetic component as well.
Symptoms of Hyperopia
If you’re farsighted, you may notice these symptoms:
- Nearby objects appear blurry
- Eye strain
- Headaches
Treatment Options for Hyperopia
Hyperopia can be easily corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Refractive surgery such as LASIK or PRK are other options that can permanently reshape the cornea and improve vision.
Astigmatism: Understanding Irregular Corneal Curvature
Sometimes, blurry vision isn’t due to the shape of the eyeball, but to imperfections in the curvature of the cornea or lens. This is called astigmatism.
Causes of Astigmatism
Astigmatism is typically caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. Like other refractive errors, this condition tends to run in families.
Symptoms of Astigmatism
Astigmatism can cause blurry or distorted vision whether you’re looking at something far away or close up. You may also experience eye strain and headaches.
Treatment Options for Astigmatism
Eyeglasses and contact lenses can often correct vision problems caused by astigmatism.
For some, refractive surgery like LASIK or PRK may be an option.
Presbyopia: Age-Related Farsightedness
While myopia has to do with being able to see things close up but not far away, presbyopia is the opposite. Presbyopia is an age-related condition in which the eye gradually loses the ability to focus on nearby objects.
What causes presbyopia?
As people age, the lenses in their eyes become less flexible. Most people start to experience this sometime after they turn 40.
What are the symptoms of presbyopia?
If you have presbyopia, you might find that you’re having trouble focusing on things that are close to you. You may also find yourself squinting or getting headaches as a result of eyestrain.
What are the treatment options for presbyopia?
Presbyopia can be corrected using reading glasses, bifocals, or progressive lenses. There are also surgical options available.
Diagnosis and management of refractive errors
Whether you’re nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism, the key to clear vision and eye health is regular eye exams.
Why regular eye exams matter
A comprehensive eye exam can catch refractive errors early, when they’re most easily managed. During your exam, you can expect:
- Visual acuity tests
- Refraction tests
- Keratometry and topography to measure the curvature of your cornea
How refractive errors are managed
Many vision problems can be solved with corrective lenses, either glasses or contacts. Refractive surgery, such as LASIK, PRK, or RLE, can sometimes correct the shape of your eye to improve vision. A procedure called orthokeratology uses specially fitted contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea.
Lifestyle and prevention
Certain lifestyle habits may help keep your eyes healthy. These include:
- Eating a healthy diet full of vitamins A, C, and E
- Taking screen breaks using the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
- Wearing protective eyewear, including sunglasses
Refractive errors in children
Refractive errors are common in children, impacting about 20% of kids. It’s important to detect and treat these issues early to prevent complications that could affect their vision long-term.
Premature babies, in particular, are vulnerable to a range of eye problems, including myopia (nearsightedness), amblyopia (lazy eye), and strabismus (crossed eyes). Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and intervention in these cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is farsightedness called?
Farsightedness is medically termed hyperopia. People with hyperopia can typically see distant objects clearly, but have difficulty focusing on things up close. This happens because the eye is too short or the cornea is too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it.
What is presbyopia vs myopia?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, makes distant objects blurry, while presbyopia is age-related farsightedness. Myopia occurs when the eye is too long or the cornea is too curved. Presbyopia, on the other hand, happens when the lens of the eye loses its flexibility, making it difficult to focus on near objects, usually starting around age 40.
Which is better, myopia or hyperopia?
Neither myopia nor hyperopia is inherently “better.” Both are refractive errors that can be corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgery. The “better” condition depends on individual lifestyle and visual demands. Someone who works primarily at a computer might find mild myopia less bothersome than hyperopia, and vice versa.
What is the reverse of myopia?
The reverse of myopia is hyperopia, or farsightedness. In myopia, the eye focuses light in front of the retina, causing blurry distance vision. In hyperopia, the eye focuses light behind the retina, causing blurry near vision. They are essentially opposite refractive errors.
Wrapping Up
While myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common vision problem, it’s important to understand that there are other refractive errors that can affect your vision. Whether you’re nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism, these conditions are treatable.
Regular eye exams are essential for people of all ages. Your eye doctor can detect and correct refractive errors, as well as screen for other eye diseases. A variety of treatments are available, from glasses and contacts to refractive surgery.
Prioritize your eye health and schedule regular checkups with your eye doctor to keep your vision sharp.