What is the Difference Between Nearsightedness and Farsightedness?

Nearsightedness and farsightedness are both refractive conditions that affect a person's ability to see objects clearly at different distances. The main difference between the two is the distance at which objects appear blurry.

Nearsightedness (myopia):

• Objects up close appear clearly, while objects at a distance are blurry.
• The visual image is focused in front of the retina, rather than directly on it.
• Often develops during the rapidly growing school-aged child or teenager, but children can often tolerate moderate amounts without difficulty and most outgrow the condition.
• Can be caused by the curvature of the lens of the eye being too curved, which throws off the focusing point.

Farsightedness (hyperopia):

• Objects at a distance appear clearly, while objects up close are blurry.
• The visual image is focused behind the retina, rather than directly on it.
• Often present at birth, but children can tolerate moderate amounts without difficulty and most outgrow the condition.
• Can be caused by the eyeball being too small or the focusing power being too weak.

Both nearsightedness and farsightedness can be improved with corrective lenses, such as glasses or contacts, as well as LASIK surgery.

Comparative Table: Nearsightedness vs Farsightedness

Nearsightedness and farsightedness are both refractive conditions that affect a person's ability to see objects clearly at different distances. The main difference between the two is the distance at which objects appear blurry. Here is a table summarizing the differences between nearsightedness and farsightedness:

Both nearsightedness and farsightedness can be improved with corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, as well as refractive surgery like LASIK.