Nearsighted vs. Farsighted:
Understanding the Difference

Nearsightedness and farsightedness, as well as astigmatism , are all refractive errors that affect your eye’s ability to focus light on the retina, making your vision blurry. Both nearsightedness and farsightedness are very common eye conditions, but they are very different from one another. Read on to learn the difference between nearsightedness vs. farsightedness.

If you’re experiencing blurry or fuzzy vision either nearby or far away, book an appointment at your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center. An eye doctor will be able to diagnose the problem and prescribe the appropriate eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct the issue.

What Does Nearsighted Mean?

What is nearsightedness? Medically referred to as myopia, nearsightedness occurs when the light entering the retina falls short, causing distant objects to appear blurry. This typically occurs because the cornea might have a bigger than average curvature, or the eyeball is too long. If you have nearsightedness, your close-up vision is not affected.

What causes nearsightedness? This condition typically runs in the family. It often occurs early in childhood and can develop slowly over time, or rapidly. Symptoms will usually worsen as a child grows, and through adolescence. Signs a child is developing or has nearsightedness may include:

• Constant squinting
• Sitting closer to television or object they’re viewing in order to see it clearly
• Lacking awareness of far objects
• Rubbing eyes constantly
• Excessive blinking

Nearsighted symptoms can include:

• Distant objects appearing blurry or fuzzy
• Squinting to see clearly
• Eyestrain
• Headaches
• Difficulty seeing at night

Treatment for Nearsightedness

An eye doctor can help detect and diagnose your nearsightedness. Depending on the severity of your condition, your eye doctor may prescribe nearsighted glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery to correct your vision.

What Does Farsighted Mean?

What is farsightedness? Medically referred to as hyperopia, farsightedness occurs when light is focused behind the retina instead of directly on it. Farsightedness is caused by a flat cornea, or if the eyeball is too short. Different from being nearsighted, a far-sighted person will be able to see things faraway, but objects nearby will appear blurry.

Farsightedness is typically present at birth and often runs in the family. Signs of farsightedness include:

• Objects nearby appear blurry of fuzzy
• Squinting to see clearly
• Eyestrain, such as burning or aching eyes
• General eye discomfort, which may lead to headaches

Treatment for Farsightedness

Since farsightedness often appears at birth, it’s important that children get their eyes examined as early as six months old. Early detection can help prevent interruptions in your child’s development and learning. Farsightedness can easily be corrected with the right farsighted glasses or contact lens prescription.

If you’re experiencing blurry vision, schedule an appointment at your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center. Annual eye exams can help detect any eye problems early on and get you the right treatment needed. Our eye doctors can conduct a nearsightedness test and farsightedness test to help determine a course of treatment for getting you clearer, sharper vision.