Nearsighted vs Farsighted: What does it mean?

Most people have some degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Here, we will explain what they mean. That way you can impress your optometrist with your vast knowledge the next time you go in for an eye exam. :)

Some people are fortunate enough to not fall in one of the previously mentioned categories. They are called emmetropes. For them, when viewing objects at a distance (optically a "distant" object is considered to be 20 feet or farther) the image forms a nice, clear, point of focus on the retina without the eye having to do any work at all.

 Nearsightedness or myopia is when the image of a distant object comes to a point focus in front of the retina. Consequently, a person with myopia sees a blurry image.

In order to see a clear image, the point focus must be pushed back farther in order to fall on the retina. The eye cannot focus light BACKWARDS towards the retina, so the only way to accomplish this is by bringing the object closer to the eye (which is why myopic people can usually see clearly up close with no glasses or contacts), or by wearing glasses or contact lenses to move the point focus back for us.

Farsightedness or hyperopia is when the image of a distant object comes to a point focus beyond the retina.Our eyes do have the ability to focus light FORWARD to the retina. Because of this, many farsighted individuals see clearly without glasses or contact lenses, but the eye has to be constantly working and focusing in order to provide this clear image. This constant focusing can lead to fatigue and discomfort, especially when reading. As we move objects closer to our eyes, the point focus shifts backward toward the retina accordingly. So if an individual is having to focus for a distant object, they have to really focus and work hard to see clearly at near. Typically, when an Optometrist prescribes glasses for a farsighted individual, it is not to improve clarity, but to relax the visual system.

If you ever have questions about your eyes or glasses/contacts, please feel free to ask. We would love to help!