Nearsighted vs. Farsighted: Understanding the Differences
Nearsightedness and farsightedness are considered common eye conditions. They’re known as refractive errors of the eye. While they bear some similarities, they also have unique features that set them apart.
This guide explains some general differences between nearsighted vs. farsighted. Learn more about what makes nearsightedness and farsightedness distinct from each other. Then, discover how a pair of stylish glasses could help.
What Is Nearsightedness?
Nearsightedness is also known as myopia. According to eye professionals, it may start as early as childhood. With nearsightedness, the eye’s shape prevents light from focusing directly on the back of the eye.
Nearsightedness can make vision appear blurry when looking at faraway objects. However, objects will appear clear when they’re up close. Symptoms of nearsightedness include:
- Squinting to see things that are far away
- Headache
- Eye strain
- Blurry vision when looking at a distance
- Poor vision at night
An eye doctor can give more information about symptoms. If you have questions about being nearsighted, see an optometrist or ophthalmologist for an eye exam. If you’re curious, they can explain treatment options.
What Is Farsightedness?
Farsightedness is called hyperopia. Vision may appear blurry when looking at objects up close. Instead, faraway things are seen clearly.
Some people may have signs of farsightedness at birth. Others will develop symptoms as they get older. Presbyopia is an age-related type of farsightedness. The muscles in the eyes weaken around the age of 40, which can make it more difficult to see words up close. Symptoms of farsightedness could include:
- Eye strain
- Squinting to see up close
- Difficulty with perceiving depth
- Difficulty reading for a more extended period
- Nearby objects appear blurry
- Burning or aching eyes
Visit an eye doctor for information about hyperopia or presbyopia. As with nearsightedness, an eye exam can tell you about your condition and care options.
The Differences Between Nearsightedness vs. Farsighted Vision
Now you know more about what it means to be nearsighted or farsighted. It’s also helpful to consider some of the main differences between the two eye conditions. These are:
How the Eyes Focus Light
With nearsightedness, an image focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on top of it. With farsightedness, an image is focused behind the retina instead of on top.
Which Images are Seen Clearly?
Nearsightedness means you can see near objects clearly. Objects in the distance appear blurry. Farsightedness means you can see faraway objects clearly. Nearby things may look fuzzy or blurred.
Why It May Occur
There are many reasons why nearsightedness may occur. For instance, the eyeball may be longer than usual. Or the cornea may be the wrong shape. With farsightedness, a person’s eyeball may be too small to focus properly. The focusing power could also be too weak.
Sometimes, the eye takes on new shapes as it grows. Research suggests that digital devices are a risk factor for developing myopia. The American Optometric Association says other risk factors include visual stress and chronic health conditions.
How They're Treated
A nearsightedness treatment helps focus light through the retina. There are different ways to do this. In some cases, it could include counteracting the shape of a curved cornea or an increased eye length. With farsightedness treatment, the goal is to sharpen vision by offsetting a decrease in curvature of the cornea. Treatment may also help to counteract a smaller eye length.
Common Treatments for Nearsightedness vs. Farsightedness
Treatments for nearsightedness and farsightedness include glasses and refractive surgery. Other suggestions may include lifestyle changes or home remedies. Talk to a doctor about specific lens types or surgical techniques.
Nearsightedness Treatments
Lenses for nearsightedness can help to correct cornea curvature. They can also assist in fixing the effects of an increased eye length. Lens types include eyeglasses and contact lenses. A non-surgical option involving contact lenses is corneal refractive therapy (CRT).
Eye doctors may recommend single vision lenses or multifocal lenses such as bifocals or progressive lenses. Blue light glasses are appropriate for computer work. Laser procedures are possible treatment options for myopia in adults. Ask a doctor about vision therapy for spasms in eye muscles. Treatments are available to help slow or stop the progression of nearsightedness. Talk to an ophthalmologist about what works best for your condition.
Farsightedness Treatments
Sometimes, mild cases of farsightedness correct on their own. The eyes can learn to compensate without corrective glasses or contact lenses. When they don’t, you have options. Corrective lenses and refractive surgery are known possible treatments for farsightedness.
Glasses and contacts aid with the decrease in curvature of your cornea or the smaller length of your eye. An eye doctor may recommend single vision lenses or multifocal lenses. Readers and blue light reading glasses are some types of eyewear for a farsighted condition.
Having Nearsightedness and Farsightedness
This Peepers guide discusses nearsighted vs. farsighted vision. It’s important to know, however, that you can be nearsighted and farsighted simultaneously. When this happens, says Healthline, your eyes develop their own conditions. Some people can even be both nearsighted and farsighted in each eye.
An optometrist or ophthalmologist can provide you with a customized treatment plan. Ask about a combination of nearsightedness and farsightedness treatments. It’s also possible to have two different lenses in your frames.
Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies
ifestyle changes won’t prevent nearsightedness or farsightedness. However, if you have farsightedness, there are things you can do for yourself at home. Mayo Clinic recommends having your eyes checked regularly for problems. Schedule a yearly eye exam to help catch issues when they occur.
It’s also helpful to keep up with the care of chronic health conditions, especially those that could affect your vision. Optometrists recommend protecting eyes from UV rays with styles like oversized polarized sunglasses. Wear protective eyewear when necessary and work with your eye doctor to find the right corrective lenses for your vision.
Promote eye health by using good lighting while you work or read. Take proactive steps to avoid eye strain. Follow the 20-20-20 rule to prevent sore eyes, especially if you spend a lot of time on a digital device. Take regular breaks when you’re using a computer or smartphone. Close your eyes or take a few moments to look at objects that are far away.
Shopping for Stylish Glasses
It’s easy to shop for glasses for nearsightedness or farsightedness. First, get a prescription or an eyewear recommendation from your eye doctor. Then, start browsing lenses and stylish frames.
Here at Peepers, we have glasses to lift your mood and fit your needs. Some of our styles to check out include:
Reading Glasses
We have reading glasses for every look and personality. Shop for stylish men’s glasses or flattering women’s glasses. You can browse by power from +1.00 to +4.00. Or filter your shopping experience by frame shape or color.
Our reading glasses lenses feature a unique lens clearness to give you comfort with your style. We also include Blue Light Focus™ Lenses with proprietary technology. Enjoy your reading experience with ultra-thin and lightweight lenses.
We have chic and classic styles for everyone. Express yourself in oversized square glasses with bold, geologically inspired colors like black marble and blue quartz. Or get a frame that fits every occasion, like a soft-square shape in a classic color and translucent crystal finish.
Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Our blue light glasses offer trend-forward protection for work and digital hobbies. Get them as reading glasses or choose glasses without correction. Experience the benefits of a baked-in lens technology that filters over 40 percent of high-energy visible blue light.
A dual anti-scratch coating offers long-lasting protection so you can take them to the office. Spring hinges provide a durable and comfy fit you can wear all day. Peepers blue light glasses can help to prevent the effects of digital eye strain. Help alleviate tired eyes and reduce headaches.
Progressive Glasses
Peepers progressives allow your eyes to move between the different powers you need for clearer vision. Best of all, you won’t notice the “jump” you may expect from bifocals or trifocal lenses. Enjoy clearer zones for an easy distance vision experience.
Our Peepers lenses feature an extra-wide clear view zone at the top of the lens. You’ll also see comfortably in the intermediate and reading zones of our lenses. An oleophobic hydrophobic coating resists smudges and oils. It also repels moisture and water.
Polarized Sunglasses and Reading Sunglasses
Sunglasses help protect your eyes from the sun. No matter what type of needs you have, you can benefit from a pair of these specs. We have polarized sunglasses and reading sunglasses. Show off your trend-forward frames or read outdoors.
Every pair of Peepers sunglasses features an elevated style. We have men’s glasses and women’s glasses so everyone can get their ideal look. Round-shaped sunglasses in neutral colors like clear and amber are flattering and refreshing. Feel comfortable in the sun while adding luxury to your ensemble. Or try an on-trend, oversized rectangular shape in classic colors like gray horn and black.
Taking Care of Your Eyes
Your eyes are important. So are your self-expression and style! With Peepers glasses, you’ll enhance your look. Now that you know the differences between nearsightedness and farsightedness, you have even more information to help you care for your vision.
Remember to talk to an optometrist or ophthalmologist if you have questions about your lenses or eye health. When you’re ready, we’ll be here with the latest styles in specs. We also have tools to help you with your best fit.
Our Perfect Pair Finder is a quiz to help you find the perfect Peepers or blue light glasses. We can even help you find the right sunglasses. Please get started by telling us whether you’re looking for men’s or women’s glasses. Then, pick whether you’re looking for correction or no correction.
If you’re looking for readers, using the Peepers Vision Test will help you purchase the proper reading glasses strength. First, follow the simple instructions to print and take the test. Then, shop for men’s or women’s readers by power.
When you need help finding your fit, we have a convenient Optical Fit Guide. Eye size and temple length measurements can help you find the right pair. Whether you like a modern or traditional look, you’ll find the men’s and women’s glasses that make you feel confident and stand out among the rest.