Did you know that only 35% of people have perfect (20/20) vision? Unfortunately, that leaves the majority of us with less than perfect vision. And even those lucky enough to enjoy perfect vision now will likely experience some degree of vision impairment with age. Thankfully, corrective measures like glasses, eye contacts, and laser eye surgery make it possible for the rest of us to achieve perfect vision if we want it.

If you’re not one of the lucky 35% with perfect vision, you either have myopia, hyperopia, or presbyopia. Not sure what those are? You might be surprised to find out that you know more about them than you think. Today we are taking a look at the difference between these three eye conditions, as well as some facts about each. Keep reading to learn more!

What is Myopia?

Myopia is the medical term for nearsightedness, the eye condition in which a person can see objects up close, but objects far away are blurry. If you have trouble seeing things far away, you have myopia. If it makes you feel better, you’re in good company! Myopia affects a lot of people.

Myopia occurs when a person’s eyeball elongates rather than staying completely round. This shape affects how light interacts with the retina; instead of focusing directly on the retina, light focuses in front of the retina. This causes faraway objects to appear blurry.

Myopia Facts

  • Myopia (nearsightedness) is the most common eye condition in children and young adults.
  • Nearly 40% of individuals experience some degree of myopia.
  • Spending time outdoors as a child might prevent one from developing myopia, specifically two hours of daylight a day. Additionally, limiting the amount of time spent in front of screens can reduce eye strain and may also contribute to preventing myopia.
  • Myopia can be hereditary.
  • LASIK can correct most cases of myopia.

Interested in LASIK? Check out our blog posts about it!

What is Hyperopia?

Hyperopia is the medical term for farsightedness, which is the opposite of nearsightedness. Individuals with hyperopia can see objects that are far away, but objects that are close appear blurry. This eye condition is less common than myopia.

Hyperopia can occur for several reasons. It can occur when the cornea isn’t curved enough. It can also occur when an eyeball is too short. Both of these conditions affect how light focuses on the eye. For perfect vision, light should focus directly on the retina. Myopia causes light to focus in front of the retina, resulting in nearsightedness. Hyperopia, on the other hand, causes light to focus behind the retina, resulting in farsightedness.

Hyperopia Facts

  • Hyperopia is less common than myopia, affecting only five to ten percent of Americans.
  • Unlike myopia, there is nothing you can do to prevent hyperopia.
  • Hyperopia is hereditary.
  • LASIK can correct most cases of hyperopia.

What is Presbyopia?

You were probably familiar with the terms nearsightedness and farsightedness, so what is this third eye condition? Presbyopia is age-related farsightedness. As you might guess, it happens when an individual experiences some degree of farsightedness as they age.

Presbyopia occurs when a middle-aged individual’s eyeball changes shape and gets firmer, resulting in less flexibility. This causes close objects to appear blurry. It is different from hyperopia  in that hyperopia can affect children as well, while presbyopia only occurs as one ages. If you find yourself holding restaurant menus or books further and further away from your face, you just might be developing presbyopia. Most often, you’ll only need to wear glasses when you’re reading. Just don’t forget to have several pairs in different places so you don’t find yourself without them!

Presbyopia Facts

  • This common eye condition affects nearly three million people in the US every year.
  • Everyone experiences presbyopia eventually.
  • It is possible to have both hyperopia and presbyopia.
  • LASIK cannot prevent or reverse presbyopia.
  • Lens implants can be a more permanent solution to presbyopia. Eye doctors might use intraocular lenses to improve a patient dealing with presbyopia.

Myopia, Hyperopia, and Presbyopia, Oh My!

These eye conditions might be common, but that doesn’t make them easy to live with. The good news is that they are all treatable with glasses, contacts, or laser eye surgery. If you are experiencing symptoms like blurred vision, headaches, or eye strain, there’s no reason to put up with it. Find an eye doctor near you who can help. Delaying care can lead to prolonged worse vision, so make an appointment today!

Comprehensive Eye Care in Austin

Whether you are dealing with myopia, hyperopia, or presbyopia, the ophthalmologists at Broberg Eye Care can help. If you live in or near Austin, Texas, contact us today to schedule an appointment to get your eyes examined and be one step closer to clearer vision.

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