Nearsightedness and Farsightedness Explained

Nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia) are among the most common vision problems in the U.S. According to studies by the American Optometric Association, almost 30% of people have been diagnosed with myopia, while 60% of people have hyperopia. Unfortunately, even minor tasks like reading and watching TV become challenging due to symptoms like blurry vision.

Dr. Ming Wang (a Harvard & MIT graduate who holds a doctorate degree in laser physics) and our experienced team of eye care professionals at Wang Vision Institute can perform a comprehensive exam and provide personalized recommendations to restore your vision. Call now for an appointment in Nashville, TN and see the world more clearly than ever — we are proud to offer a wide range of solutions to suit your needs.

The symptoms of myopia and hyperopia include blurry vision when looking at objects that are far away or near. Other signs to watch for include headaches, eye strain (also known as eye fatigue or asthenopia), and tired eyes after reading or using a computer for extended periods of time. People may also experience light sensitivity or discomfort in the neck and shoulder muscles.

Those who wear glasses or contacts for nearsightedness or farsightedness but still struggle to see clearly should make an appointment to be evaluated by an eye doctor. Dr. Wang and our staff at Wang Vision Institute can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend the best course of action to improve your vision.

Experts report that both myopia and hyperopia are usually genetic. The blurry vision that occurs with nearsightedness and farsightedness is due to the abnormal shape of either the cornea or the eyeball. If the eyeball is a little elongated, or when the cornea is too curved, light entering the eye does not focus properly on the retina, and vision becomes distorted.

However, adults can also develop myopia from certain activities or other health issues. This includes high-focus reading and writing for an extended period of time or spending hours on a mobile device. Nearsightedness can also be a symptom of unmanaged blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Hyperopia is sometimes confused with a condition called presbyopia. Though both affect near vision, presbyopia mainly impacts people over age 40 and is caused by the progressive loss of flexibility in the natural lens of the eye. Dr. Wang can perform an examination and determine which condition you are dealing with, as well as recommend solutions for resolving any vision problems.

During your eye exam in Nashville, TN, our staff will conduct a full examination to check your overall eye health. This assessment may include a refraction test to measure near and far vision and visual acuity tests to evaluate how well you can see small details. Rest assured that each test is designed to be noninvasive and completely painless — we prioritize your comfort and convenience at all times. After an accurate diagnosis is established, Dr. Wang can explain which treatments may work best for you to restore clear vision.

The most common treatment for myopia and hyperopia is corrective lenses. Eyeglasses and contact lenses can be used to refocus light on the retina the way it should. At Wang Vision Institute, we provide custom lenses that are tailored to your individual needs — you can select from a range of options in different sizes or styles.

For people who are not comfortable wearing corrective lenses or have additional vision concerns, Dr. Wang may perform LASIK or another advanced vision correction surgery in Nashville, TN. During this procedure, the cornea is reshaped with a laser so that it more accurately focuses light onto the back of the eye. This provides life-changing results and can eliminate the need for glasses entirely.

In many cases, nearsightedness or farsightedness develop as the result of a genetic irregularity in the shape of the eye and other structures. Still, there are some risk factors that may elevate a patient's chance of developing near/farsightedness, including:

• Unmanaged diabetes
• Chronic eye strain associated with computer/screen use and other activities
• Certain underlying health conditions

Can lifestyle changes help manage or improve nearsightedness/myopia?
While lifestyle changes cannot cure myopia, they can help manage its progression, especially in children. Spending more time outdoors in natural light and reducing prolonged close-up activities, such as screen time, can be beneficial. It's also important to maintain regular eye exams to monitor any changes in vision and adjust treatment as necessary.

How often should my prescription be updated if I have myopia?
The frequency of prescription updates for myopia varies depending on the individual's age, rate of vision change, and overall eye health. Typically, children and teenagers may need more frequent updates due to rapid changes in their vision. Adults with stable myopia might need less frequent updates. It's recommended to have annual eye exams to ensure your prescription remains effective.

When does farsightedness/hyperopia typically develop?
Farsightedness may begin to develop in the early childhood years but could resolve itself as a child grows. Additionally, after age 40, the eyes may have issues focusing on nearby objects. This age-related hyperopia is often referred to as presbyopia.

What happens if hyperopia goes untreated?
In some cases, hyperopia resolves itself, especially in young children. Many children or adolescents may not even require glasses or contacts for their farsightedness. However, this is far from a certainty. All people with hyperopia should see an ophthalmologist. If it is untreated, it may lead to lazy eyes, crossed eyes, blurred vision, or vision loss.

Can nearsightedness or farsightedness worsen over time?
Yes, both conditions can progress, particularly during childhood and adolescence. Regular eye exams are essential for monitoring changes and updating prescriptions as needed.

How does age affect nearsightedness and farsightedness?
Myopia often stabilizes in adulthood but can progress in some cases. Hyperopia may become more noticeable with age, especially after 40, when presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) can also develop.

Blurry vision and eye strain don’t have to be a part of your life. If you are experiencing myopia, hyperopia, or any other vision issues, Dr. Ming Wang and our team at Wang Vision Institute are here to help. Contact us today for more information about available treatments for refractive errors or to schedule an appointment in Nashville, TX. Our staff looks forward to helping you achieve clearer, healthier vision!