Differences Between Near and Farsightedness

Nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia) are two common refractive errors that affect how well a person can focus on objects at different distances. These conditions occur when the shape of the eye or the length of the eyeball causes light to be focused either in front of or behind the retina, resulting in blurred vision.

Eyeglasses or contact lenses with a corrective prescription can help you see clearly. Our eye doctor at Lock Family Eye Care in West Des Moines, IA, can check your vision and prescribe corrective lenses if needed. Learn more about nearsightedness and farsightedness to understand better how these vision problems affect your eyes.

What Is Nearsightedness?

To understand nearsightedness and farsightedness, it helps to know how normal vision works. When you have normal vision, light focuses on your retinas. This central focus gives you clear vision when looking at objects close up and far away.

When you are nearsighted, light focuses in front of your retinas. This front focus causes you to see things without trouble when they are close to you. However, objects that are far away look blurry. Nearsightedness is common in school-aged children and requires corrective lenses to see clearly. Our optometrist can check your vision to see if you are nearsighted.

What Is Farsightedness?

Farsightedness occurs when light focuses behind your retinas. When you are farsighted, you can see objects at a distance. However, things that are close to you appear blurry. Farsightedness can occur in children from birth, but some eventually outgrow this vision problem. Whether you have symptoms of nearsightedness or farsightedness, our optometrist can help you correct your vision with eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Contact Us for an Eye Appointment

If you have trouble seeing close up or far away, please contact Lock Family Eye Care to schedule an appointment at our West Des Moines, IA, office. Our eye doctor can check your eyes for nearsightedness or farsightedness and help you choose corrective lenses for clear vision. Call our office at (515) 267-1312 to schedule an appointment.