Medically Reviewed by: Edward C. Wade, M.D., F.A.C.S.
What’s the Difference Between Farsighted & Nearsighted?
If you or your loved one are unfamiliar with vision terms and hear the words farsighted or nearsighted, you might wonder what they mean. In fact, many patients ask us, “What is the difference between farsighted and nearsighted?” Both are refractive conditions—they refer to how light is focused in relation to the eye. Below, learn what farsightedness and nearsightedness mean, as well as the differences between the two.
Farsightedness
Farsightedness is also known as hyperopia. You might think it means you can see really far away, but it actually means you have a hard time seeing things that are up close. The light falls behind your retina instead of on it.
If you are farsighted, you can see distant objects well, but reading or looking at items close up is blurry for you.
Farsightedness is caused by several different issues within the eye. Sometimes the lens isn’t round enough, and other times the eyeball is too short.
Most of these causes come from genetics, but they can also result from sinus infections, migraines, and other injuries.
Nearsightedness
Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is the opposite of farsightedness. It means that with your uncorrected natural vision, you can see farther but objects in the distance pose a challenge.
You can read books without a problem, but you can’t read a street sign when you are driving. If you are nearsighted, the light doesn’t fall directly on your retina, but instead in front of it.
Myopia comes from genetics, simple aging processes, and cataracts. It is usually treated with corrective lenses and can mostly be addressed with LASIK eye surgery in Houston.
Differences Between Nearsightedness & Farsightedness
In summary, being farsighted or nearsighted both affect your ability to see objects clearly. The difference between farsighted and nearsighted is whether you have difficulty seeing close or far. Farsightedness makes it hard to see things that are close and nearsightedness makes it difficult to see things that are far away. Both ailments can be improved with corrective lenses, but only when the person is wearing the lenses.
If you have any questions about being nearsightedness or farsightedness or have other concerns about your vision, schedule your free consultation with Eye Center of Texas today.
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