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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Hyperopia and Myopia?

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The main difference between hyperopia and myopia lies in the ability to see objects at different distances. Both conditions are refractive errors, but they affect vision in opposite ways:

  • Hyperopia (farsightedness): In this condition, an image of a distant object becomes focused behind the retina, making objects up close appear out of focus. People with hyperopia can see distant objects clearly, but nearby objects are blurry. Hyperopia occurs when the eyeball is too short, causing the light to be refracted behind the retina. In many cases, severe hyperopia can affect both near and distance vision.
  • Myopia (nearsightedness): In contrast, myopia occurs when the light is refracted by the cornea in such a way that it falls short of landing in front of the retina, making distant objects appear out of focus. People with myopia can see nearby objects, such as books and digital screens, clearly without prescription lenses, but distant objects appear blurred. Myopia usually occurs because the eyeball has grown too long relative to its focusing power.

Both conditions can be treated with corrective lenses, such as glasses or contacts, to improve vision.

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  • What is the Difference Between Hyperopia and Myopia?
  • Comparative Table: Hyperopia vs Myopia

    • Comparative Table: Hyperopia vs Myopia

    Here is a table comparing the differences between hyperopia and myopia:

    Feature Hyperopia (Farsightedness) Myopia (Nearsightedness)
    Definition The eye focuses light behind the retina, causing close objects to appear blurry. The eye focuses light in front of the retina, causing distant objects to appear blurry.
    Eyeball Shape Eyeball is too short. Eyeball is too long.
    Cornea Shape Not enough curvature of the lens. Overly curved cornea.
    Symptoms Difficulty reading, eye strain. Headaches, eyestrain, squinting, tiredness.
    Objects in Focus Distant objects are clear. Close objects are clear.
    Age of Onset Can develop later in life. Usually develops during childhood and adolescence.
    Prevalence Affects approximately 5 to 10 percent of Americans. Affects about 41.6 percent of Americans.
    Treatment Corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) and refractive surgery. Corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) and refractive surgery.

    Both hyperopia and myopia are refractive eye conditions that can be improved with corrective lenses such as glasses or contacts, as well as refractive surgery.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.