HYPEROPIA (farsightedness)

Hyperopia, also called farsightedness, is a vision condition in which distant objects can be seen clearly, but close ones do not come into proper focus. People with hyperopia may have difficulty concentrating and maintaining a clear focus on near objects, eye strain, fatigue and/or headaches after close work, aching or burning eyes, and irritability or nervousness after sustained concentration.

Diagnosing hyperopia can be difficult. Most vision screenings, such as those performed at pediatrician offices and schools, are not able to distinguish patients with hyperopia. Some mild to moderate cases can go undiagnosed during vision screenings because the patient is able to compensate, which is not the natural way the eye should function.

Hyperopia occurs if the eyeball is too short or the cornea (the clear front cover of the eye) is too flat. As a result, the light entering the eye isn’t focused correctly, causing distant objects to become blurred.

Hyperopia can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or corrective surgery.

MYOPIA (nearsightedness)

Myopia, also called nearsightedness, is a vision condition that allows people to see clearly at near, but objects farther away appear blurred. People with myopia may have a difficult time seeing the board at school, watching TV, or reading traffic signs.

Myopia occurs if the eyeball is too long or the cornea (the clear front cover of the eye) is too curved. As a result, the light entering the eye isn’t focused correctly, causing distant objects to become blurred.

Myopia affects nearly 30 percent of the U.S. population and can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or corrective surgery.