When it comes to vision problems, it’s easy to get confused by the various terms and conditions. Myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism are 3 of the most common refractive errors affecting people’s eyesight. Understanding the differences between these conditions can help you recognize symptoms, seek appropriate treatment, and maintain optimal eye health.
Myopia causes distant objects to appear blurry due to an elongated eye. Hyperopia makes close objects blurry because the eye is too short. Astigmatism distorts vision at all distances due to an irregularly shaped cornea or lens.
A comprehensive eye exam is essential for identifying the appropriate treatment for each condition, whether that may be glasses, contact lenses, or laser eye surgery.
Understanding Myopia
What Is Myopia?
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly. This occurs when the eye is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
Causes of Myopia
Myopia is often hereditary, meaning if one or both parents are nearsighted, their children can be more likely to develop the condition. Environmental factors may also play a role—prolonged close-up activities like reading or using electronic devices can increase a child’s risk of developing myopia. Reduced time spent outdoors and a lack of natural light exposure are also contributing factors.
Symptoms of Myopia
Common symptoms include blurred distance vision, eye strain, and headaches. Children with myopia might squint, sit close to the TV, or hold books very close to their faces. Regular eye exams are essential for detecting myopia early, as myopia can sometimes develop without noticeable symptoms.
Treatments for Myopia
Corrective lenses like glasses or contact lenses are the most common treatments. Laser eye surgery such as LASIK is also an option for adults. For children, myopia management strategies are crucial to slow down its progression and prevent future complications.
Myopia Management: Controlling the Progression
Why Myopia Management is Important
Myopia management is crucial, especially for children, as unmanaged myopia can lead to an increased risk of developing severe eye conditions later in life, like retinal detachment and glaucoma.
At Airdrie Family Eye Doctors, we offer axial length measurements for all kids during their eye exams as part of our early intervention strategy for myopia. This proactive approach helps us monitor eye growth and implement necessary measures to slow myopia progression.
Multifocal Glasses & Contact Lenses
These lenses are designed to correct vision at multiple distances, reducing the strain on the eyes and slowing myopia progression. We also offer other specialty contacts that use Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (D.I.M.S.) and Cylindrical Annular Refractive Elements (C.A.R.E) for myopia control.
D.I.M.S. Technology
Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (D.I.M.S.) lenses incorporate multiple segments with controlled defocus, enhancing image sharpness and depth perception. This innovative approach can improve visual clarity and comfort for wearers, representing a significant advancement in myopia management.
C.A.R.E Technology
Cylindrical Annular Refractive Elements (C.A.R.E) are designed to manipulate light in a way that enhances vision correction and comfort. This technology offers precise and personalized solutions for people with myopia and astigmatism, significantly improving visual acuity.
Atropine Drops
Low-dose atropine eye drops can be used once a day before bed to slow the progression of myopia. They are often combined with specialty glasses or contact lenses for optimal results.
Understanding Hyperopia
What Is Hyperopia?
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a condition where distant objects are seen more clearly than close ones. It occurs when the eye is too short, or the cornea is too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina instead of on it.
Causes of Hyperopia
Like myopia, hyperopia is often hereditary. It can be present at birth and become more noticeable as children grow. Certain health conditions and medications can also contribute to its development.
Symptoms of Hyperopia
Common symptoms of hyperopia include difficulty focusing on close objects, eye strain, headaches, and fatigue, especially after reading or doing close work. Children might struggle in school due to difficulty reading or writing.
Treatments for Hyperopia
Corrective lenses are commonly used to treat hyperopia. Glasses and contact lenses can help focus light correctly on the retina. Refractive surgery is another option for adults seeking a more permanent solution.
Understanding Astigmatism
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is a refractive error caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, leading to blurred or distorted vision at all distances. The cornea’s shape resembles a football rather than a circle, causing light to focus on multiple points on or behind the retina.
Causes of Astigmatism
Astigmatism can be present at birth or develop over time. It often occurs in combination with myopia or hyperopia. Eye injuries, surgeries, or diseases can also contribute to its development.
Symptoms of Astigmatism
Blurry or distorted vision, eye strain, headaches, and difficulty seeing at night are common symptoms of astigmatism. People with astigmatism might also experience difficulty focusing on both near and distant objects.
Treatments for Astigmatism
Corrective lenses, including glasses and toric contact lenses, are often used to treat astigmatism. Refractive surgery, such as LASIK, can also correct the cornea’s shape.
The Importance of Understanding & Managing Myopia, Hyperopia, & Astigmatism
Understanding the differences between myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism is crucial for managing and treating these common vision problems. While corrective lenses and surgery are standard treatments, innovative myopia management methods can significantly slow the progression of myopia in children too.
Regular eye exams and early intervention are essential for optimal eye health and clear vision. If you’re concerned about your child’s vision, schedule an appointment with Airdrie Family Eye Doctors today to explore your options for myopia management.
