When our eyes are unable to focus light onto the retina properly, our ability to see is affected. Leading to problems seeing up close or far away, known as nearsightedness or farsightedness. Both types of vision problems can be inherited or caused by abnormalities in the shape of the eyeball or lens. The symptoms of nearsightedness. And farsightedness are somewhat similar and can be treated with glasses, contact lenses and surgery.
Myopia and hyperopia
Both types of vision conditions are caused by the eyeball or lens being of an improper size and shape, resulting in abnormal vision.
What is myopia?
Myopia is caused by the shape of the eyeball being longer. Than the focal length of the lens. The eye focuses light from distant objects onto the front of the retina, causing blurred vision. People who are nearsighted can see objects that are close up or read books at close range, but have trouble seeing things far away, driving, or playing sports. Children whose parents are nearsighted are more likely to develop myopia as well. Myopia in children often worsens over time if a child does not spend enough time outdoors or if they do not use their eyes to see things up close or stare at screens frequently.
Myopia will gradually get worse until the age of 20, when the vision will start to stabilize. However, if the eye health is not taken care of, the myopia may change and increase further.
What is hyperopia?
Hyperopia is caused by the eyeball being shorter than the focal length of the lens. And weakness of the ciliary muscles. The image of distant objects is focused behind the retina. Causing the image to appear blurry. People with hyperopia often have trouble reading or doing near work. They often experience eye pain, headaches, and amblyopia. Hyperopia is most common in adults over the age of 40.
Myopia and hyperopia
Many symptoms of nearsightedness and farsightedness are similar.
Myopia may cause the following symptoms:
- Blurred vision when looking into the distance
- Squint frequently
- Tired eyes
- have a headache
- Having trouble driving
Symptoms of hyperopia include:
- Blurred vision when looking at things up close
- Squint frequently
- Tired eyes
- have a headache
- I have a problem reading books.
- Eyes can’t focus
When should I see an ophthalmologist?
If you start having vision problems or experience any of the above symptoms, you should see an ophthalmologist for an eye examination and appropriate treatment.
Treatment of myopia and hyperopia
Non-surgical treatments include:
- Wearing glasses
- Wearing contact lenses
Wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses can help correct vision. Eyeglasses or contact lenses help adjust the direction of light refracted onto the retina, allowing clear vision. Nearsightedness can be treated by using lenses with a negative power. Which reduces the refraction of light, causing the focal point to expand. For farsightedness, lenses with a positive power refract light and bring it down to the focal point.
Wearing glasses can cause scratches on the nose from the pressure of the glasses. Some people may not like how they look when wearing glasses, so they may choose to wear contact lenses that are lighter and more natural-looking. However, contact lenses can cause eye infections or other vision problems, such as corneal scarring or dry eyes.
Surgical treatment includes:
- Laser eye surgery uses a laser to reshape the cornea, improving its ability to focus. The results of the surgery are permanent and there is no need to wear contact lenses. However, the natural lens of the eye changes with age and other conditions such as presbyopia can occur. There are several types of vision correction surgery, including Photorefractive Keratectomy ( PRK), Laser In Situ Keratectomies (LASIK) , and ReLEX (Refractive Lenticule Extraction). LASIK is the most popular procedure because of its short recovery time and less postoperative pain.
- ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens ) is suitable for people with high vision and eye diseases such as dry eye disease or weak corneal surface.