Difference Between Nearsighted and Farsighted

Nearsightedness is myopia. Farsightedness is hypermetropia or hyperopia. As the names imply, if you can see what’s near you or close to your eyes better than what is at a distance from you, then you are nearsighted. If you can clearly see what’s far from your eyes or relatively far away as compared to what is near you, then you are farsighted. Many people think that if inability to see what’s near clearly is nearsighted and farsighted is unable to clearly see what’s far away. That perception or understanding is wrong. Also, nearsighted doesn’t mean that you have the best eyesight for things up close. Likewise, farsighted doesn’t mean you would be seeing things at a distance perfectly.

Difference Between Nearsighted and Farsighted

The primary difference between nearsighted and farsighted is in the manner and the exact place where light reaches the eye, the retina to be precise. If the light reaches your eye and falls in front of the retina, then you would be nearsighted or myopic. If the light reaches your eye and falls behind the retina then you are farsighted. The light should ideally fall on the retina which is where you get to form the image and see it clearly. That helps the brain to recognize a crystal clear image.

Both nearsighted and farsighted are refractive conditions. Nearsightedness can be due to genetic malformations, ageing, medicinal side effects and cataracts. Injury can also be a cause. Farsightedness is usually due to a shorter or smaller eyeball. The lens may not be round enough to have the light focus on the retina. Sinus infections, migraines, injuries and genetic anomalies are typical causes of farsightedness.

Nearsightedness can be cured with surgery, corrective lenses, exercises and various kinds of vision treatments. Farsightedness can be cured with corrective lenses. Both conditions have many similarities. They would not cause blindness unless one suffers from cataract which can worsen over time if left untreated. Both conditions are chronic and can get severe over time if left unattended to. It is difficult to infer if any one condition is easily treated compared to the other because it entirely depends on the severity of nearsightedness or farsightedness in a given case.

Nearsightedness and farsightedness must be diagnosed at the earliest and corrective measures must be taken. Many people opt for glasses or corrective lenses. Steps must be taken to attend to the symptoms but the exact cause of the condition should also be remedied.

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