Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close objects are seen clearly due to the elongation of the eyeball or steepening of the cornea. Conversely, hypermetropia, or farsightedness, results in difficulty focusing on nearby objects due to a shortened eyeball or flattened cornea, while distant objects may be clearer.
Key Takeaways
- Myopia is a refractive error where close objects appear clear, but distant objects appear blurry.
- Hypermetropia is a refractive error where distant objects appear clear, but close objects appear blurry.
- Myopia is corrected with concave lenses, while hypermetropia is corrected with convex lenses.
Myopia vs Hypermetropia
Myopia is an eye vision condition. In myopia, a person can see things close to him/her but can’t see distant objects clearly. Myopia occurs due to an increase in the size of the eyeball. In hypermetropia, a person can see distant objects but can’t see the clear image of objects close to him/her. Hypermetropia occurs due to a decrease in the size of the eyeball.
The distant objects appear to be blurred in the case of myopia. On the other hand, the nearby objects appear to be blurred in the case of hypermetropia.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Myopia (Nearsightedness) | Hypermetropia (Farsightedness) |
|---|---|---|
| Nickname | Nearsightedness | Farsightedness |
| Vision problem | Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly | Difficulty seeing nearby objects clearly |
| Cause | Eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, focusing light in front of the retina | Eyeball is too short or the cornea is too flat, focusing light behind the retina |
| Symptoms | Blurry vision for distant objects, squinting, headaches | Blurry vision for near objects, eye strain, difficulty reading |
| Diagnosis | Eye exam, including vision test and refraction | Eye exam, including vision test and refraction |
| Treatment | Concave lenses (diverging lenses) in glasses or contact lenses | Convex lenses (converging lenses) in glasses or contact lenses |
| Other options | LASIK surgery, PRK surgery | LASIK surgery, PRK surgery |
| Additional notes | May be more prevalent in younger people | May be present at birth or develop later in life |
What is Myopia?
Myopia, referred to as nearsightedness, is a common refractive error of the eye characterized by difficulty seeing distant objects clearly while close objects remain in focus. This condition occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea has excessive curvature, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it.
Mechanism and Pathophysiology
In myopia, the elongation of the eyeball or the steepening of the cornea causes light entering the eye to converge in front of the retina. This leads to the formation of a blurred image on the retina, resulting in reduced visual acuity for distant objects. The exact mechanism behind the elongation of the eyeball is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as excessive near work, limited outdoor activity, and prolonged screen time.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Individuals with myopia experience difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, while objects up close may appear sharp. Other symptoms may include eyestrain, headaches, squinting, and difficulty driving, especially at night. Myopia can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination, including visual acuity testing, refraction assessment, and examination of the eye’s structures.
Management and Treatment
Myopia can be managed effectively through corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, which compensate for the refractive error by altering the way light enters the eye. Additionally, orthokeratology, a method involving the use of rigid contact lenses to reshape the cornea overnight, may help slow the progression of myopia, particularly in children. In some cases, refractive surgery, such as LASIK or PRK, may be recommended to permanently reshape the cornea and improve vision. However, it’s important to note that myopia management strategies may vary depending on the severity of the condition, age of the patient, and individual visual needs. Regular eye examinations are crucial for monitoring changes in visual acuity and adjusting treatment as necessary.
What is Hypermetropia?
Hypermetropia, commonly known as farsightedness, is a refractive error of the eye where distant objects are seen more clearly than nearby objects. This occurs when the eyeball is too short or the cornea has insufficient curvature, causing light rays to focus behind the retina rather than directly on it. As a result, close-up objects may appear blurry, while distant objects may be relatively clearer.
Mechanism and Pathophysiology
In hypermetropia, the shortened length of the eyeball or the flattened shape of the cornea causes light entering the eye to converge behind the retina, leading to the formation of a blurred image. This occurs because the eye’s optical system is unable to bend (refract) light sufficiently to bring it into focus on the retina. Hypermetropia can also be caused by a decrease in the refractive power of the lens or a combination of factors.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Individuals with hypermetropia experience difficulty focusing on close-up objects, such as reading or using a computer, while distant objects may appear clearer. Other symptoms may include eyestrain, headaches, squinting, and fatigue, especially after prolonged near work. Hypermetropia can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination, including visual acuity testing, refraction assessment, and examination of the eye’s structures.
Management and Treatment
Hypermetropia can be corrected using corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, which help to refract light rays appropriately onto the retina, improving near vision. In some cases, bifocal or progressive lenses may be prescribed to address both near and distance vision. Refractive surgery, such as LASIK or PRK, may also be an option for individuals seeking a permanent solution to their hypermetropia. However, the suitability of surgery depends on various factors, including the degree of hypermetropia, corneal thickness, and overall eye health. Regular eye examinations are essential for monitoring changes in vision and ensuring appropriate management of hypermetropia.
Main Differences Between Myopia and Hypermetropia
- Vision Deficiency
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly.
- Hypermetropia (Farsightedness): Difficulty seeing nearby objects clearly.
- Optical Pathway
- Myopia: Light focuses in front of the retina instead of on it.
- Hypermetropia: Light focuses behind the retina instead of on it.
- Causes
- Myopia: Typically caused by an elongated eyeball or excessive curvature of the cornea.
- Hypermetropia: Often caused by a shorter than average eyeball or a flatter cornea.
- Correction
- Myopia: Corrected with concave lenses, which help focus light onto the retina.
- Hypermetropia: Corrected with convex lenses, which help converge light onto the retina.
- Symptoms
- Myopia: Squinting, headaches, and eyestrain when focusing on distant objects.
- Hypermetropia: Eyestrain, difficulty focusing on close objects, and blurred vision when reading or performing close-up tasks.
- https://www.ajo.com/article/0002-9394(55)91283-6/pdf
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004269890900457X
Last Updated : 29 February, 2024
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
This article is really helpful for those of us who are strigling with vision problems. They are explained in detail and the comparison table is really useful. I’m following the information provided to me by my ophtalmologist and this article has helped me to understand better my condition.
I think the article is very thorough in its coverage of the topic. It should serve as an informative piece for those seeking to understand the differences between Myopia and Hypermetropia.
I think the article provide an accurate and detailed comparison of the two eye conditions. However, it would be better if it included more relatable information to connect better with the readers.
I appreciate the thoroughness of the article in explaining the differences between Myopia and Hypermetropia. It offers a broad understanding of the topic, but I believe that it could be enhanced with a more engaging narrative to maintain the reader’s interest throughout.
I can see that a lot of research and effort has gone into creating the comprehensive comparison between Myopia and Hypermetropia. But I feel it may have been made more engaging and relatable with the addition of some real life experiences from individuals with these conditions.
It’s clear that the article is rich in information and comparative analysis of Myopia and Hypermetropia. Yet, I think it would benefit from integrating more relatable content and examples to anchor the concepts discussed.
While I have found the information in the article to be educational, the writing style seems a bit too complex for a general audience. I think the article would benefit from simplifying the language and providing more practical examples to clarify certain points.
I found the comparison table to be the most useful part of the article. It clearly highlights the key differences between Myopia and Hypermetropia. It’s great to have all the information in one place, making it easier to understand.
I appreciate the comprehensive explanation given here, it’s really helpful for those looking for detailed information on these eye conditions. However, I think the article could be improved with more examples of real life situations and experiences of people with Myopia and Hypermetropia.
While the article is informative, I feel that some of the terminology may be difficult for people without a background in ophthalmology to understand. It would be helpful to include more layman’s terms to ensure broader accessibility.