Myopia vs. Hyperopia — What's the Difference?

Myopia is a vision condition where light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina, making distant objects appear blurry. This is often due to the eyeball being too long or the cornea having too much curvature. People with myopia can see objects that are close more clearly than objects that are far away. On the other hand, hyperopia occurs when light is focused behind the retina, often because the eyeball is too short or the cornea is too flat. This condition primarily affects the ability to see close objects clearly, while distant vision is usually better.

Individuals with myopia often struggle with tasks that require distant vision, such as driving or seeing a chalkboard from the back of a classroom. They may squint to see distant objects more clearly and experience eye strain or headaches from these efforts. Conversely, those with hyperopia may have difficulty with activities that involve close vision, like reading, sewing, or using a computer, which can also lead to eye strain and headaches.

The prevalence of myopia is increasing globally, attributed to factors like increased indoor activities and near work, such as using digital devices. Hyperopia's prevalence varies, but it's less influenced by lifestyle factors. Instead, it's often related to genetic factors and the natural aging process, which can affect the eye's ability to focus on close objects over time.

Both conditions are refractive errors that alter how light is focused by the eye but in opposite ways. Myopia is corrected with negative diopter lenses, which spread out light rays, whereas hyperopia is corrected with positive diopter lenses, which converge light rays. This distinction is crucial for the proper correction of each condition, ensuring improved vision and quality of life for those affected.