Nearsightedness occurs when far-away objects are blurry. This condition is also called myopia. It's a common eye condition, one that affects just over 40 percent of the population in the United States. On the opposite end of the spectrum is farsightedness, or hyperopia. This condition occurs when objects up close are blurry. Hyperopia is less common than myopia and only affects about 25 percent of the country's population.
If you are either nearsighted or farsighted, you will need to seek eye care treatment from an optometrist who can help correct these types of vision problems.
Nearsightedness: Causes and Treatment Options
When the eyeball grows too long, it begins to focus on objects in front of the retina instead of on the retina. When the eyeball is not focusing on the correct part of the retina, it results in blurred vision. One of the main causes of nearsightedness is genetics. Some eye care professionals have also linked nearsightedness to not spending enough time outdoors.
Left untreated, nearsightedness causes a number of problems, which include eyestrain, headaches, impaired safety, and reduced quality of life. Untreated nearsightedness can also increase your chances of developing other eye problems, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment.
The good news is an eye care specialist can easily treat nearsightedness. In most cases, prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses will greatly improve vision. Another common treatment option to correct nearsightedness is refractive surgery, such as LASIK.
Farsightedness: Causes and Treatment Options
Farsightedness is just the opposite of nearsightedness and occurs when the eyeball is too short. This refractive error can also occur when the cornea is flat. Genetics is the primary cause of farsightedness. Farsightedness is very common in people over the age of 65. However, even children can be farsighted. Children who are born with hyperopia might outgrow the condition if their eyeballs become longer.
Left untreated, farsightedness can cause eyestrain, crossed eyes, impaired safety, and reduced quality of life. People who are farsighted may also experience headaches when trying to do close tasks, such as reading or working on the computer. As with nearsightedness, most cases of farsightedness are treated with prescription glasses or contact lenses. Refractive surgery might also be an option for mild to moderate cases of farsightedness.
Neither nearsightedness nor farsightedness can be prevented. However, there are some eye care practices that can slow the progression of these conditions. These practices include eating healthy foods, using good lighting, avoiding eyestrain, and protecting the eyes from the sun. It's also important to see an eye care specialist on a regular basis.
Share17 November 2020
Do you remember the last time you thought about the quality of your vision? Although it can be easy to write off vision problems as a simple frustration, taking the time to visit your eye doctor might help you to take care of important aspects of your day to day life. In addition to making your vision more comfortable with the right pair of frames or the right contact lenses, going to the eye doctor might also help you to keep up with your overall eye care. If you have an undetected disease or illness, your eye doctor might mention it before it affects your health. Read this blog for more information.
