Do you have trouble reading the words on a page or seeing the faces of your loved ones up close? Hypermetropia and astigmatism can do that.
Hypermetropia makes it hard to focus on nearby objects, while astigmatism causes blurry vision at different distances.
For this reason, I am here to explain hypermetropia and astigmatism, so you’ll know the symptoms, key differences and treatment options.
What is Hypermetropia?
Hypermetropia is a common refractive error where you can see far objects clearly but near objects are blurry. Isn’t it frustrating to focus on your phone or a book only to struggle with clarity? This blurriness is because of the shape of your eye which affects how light rays focus on the retina.
In some cases only far vision is sharp, while others with milder hypermetropia may see slightly better up close.
Isn’t it amazing how this condition varies from person to person depending on the severity. So what causes this long sightedness?
The answer lies in the shape and length of the eye. If your eyeball is shorter than average or your cornea is flatter, light can’t focus correctly before it reaches the retina and you get blurry images when you try to look at your surroundings closely.
Hypermetropia Causes
Hypermetropia runs in families so it has genetic roots. The risk of getting this condition is influenced by hereditary factors which is why it can skip generations.
Also environmental factors and age play a big role in its development. This vision impairment can occur if the eyeball is shorter than average or the cornea is not curved enough like trying to take a picture with a misaligned camera lens.
The main causes of hypermetropia:
- Genetic traits
- Environmental factors
- Age-related changes
Now that you know the causes, you can take proactive steps to your eye health. So let’s talk about the symptoms of hypermetropia.
Symptoms of Hypermetropia
You may find it hard to focus on close objects and get blurry vision when reading or working on a computer.
Common symptoms:
- Eye strain with burning or soreness
- Headaches after long hours of close work
- Need to squint to see clearly
As you can see, these symptoms can disrupt your daily life. If you experience any of these, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and advice.
Treatment Options for Hypermetropia
Glasses and contact lenses are the most common, by altering how light enters your eye to focus on the retina. Glasses is good for close up tasks while contact lenses is immediate adjustment as it sits directly on the cornea.
For a permanent fix, consider laser eye surgery. Procedures like LASIK and PRK reshapes the cornea so light can focus correctly on the retina. This is perfect for those who don’t want to wear glasses or contacts daily.
You have:
- Glasses
- Contact lenses
- Laser eye surgery
Of course, consult an eye doctor to know which one is best for you. Now let’s talk about astigmatism, another common refractive error that can be corrected for better vision.
What is Astigmatism ?
Astigmatism is caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens resulting to distorted vision. Unlike hypermetropia, astigmatism causes blurry vision at different distances because of the irregular surface of the eye.
This can be congenital for some while others may acquire it later due to eye injuries or post-surgical changes.
Astigmatism often coexists with other visual impairments like myopia and hypermetropia making it harder to see clearly and needs targeted treatment.
Causes of Astigmatism
Astigmatism can be hereditary, present at birth. While genetics plays a big role, it’s not the only cause. This eye condition can develop later in life due to injuries, illnesses or surgical changes.
The main causes:
- Hereditary factors
- Eye trauma or surgeries
- Eye diseases
Symptoms of Astigmatism
Living with astigmatism can be tough. Those with it experience visual distortions, objects appear blurry and unclear especially when reading or driving at night. Here are the symptoms to watch out for:
- Eye fatigue or strain
- Need to squint to see clearly
- Difficulty seeing in low light or at night
Treatment Options for Astigmatism
Several treatments are available for astigmatism, often combined with other refractive errors. Prescription glasses or contact lenses can correct the irregular curvature of the cornea or lens by altering the path of light as it enters your eye.
Laser eye surgery is now a popular option for astigmatism. With wavefront technology, this procedure can now have personalized treatment plans based on the exact mapping of your eyes.
Options for treating astigmatism include:
- Prescription glasses
- Contact lenses
- Refractive surgery using lasers
Consult an eye doctor to know what’s best for you.
Hypermetropia vs Astigmatism
Astigmatism often coexists with hypermetropia making it harder for your visual system to focus by having multiple focal points.
In hyperopic astigmatism, one meridian is farsighted while the other is normal. There are also mixed astigmatism where one meridian is farsighted and the other is nearsighted. This often occurs with hypermetropia.
Now let’s talk about the differences. I’ve listed the Key Differences Between hypermetropia vs astigmatism.
| Feature | Hypermetropia (Farsightedness) | Astigmatism |
|---|
| Definition | A vision problem where distant objects are clear, but close objects are blurry. | A condition where the eye’s shape causes blurry or distorted vision at all distances. |
| Cause | The eyeball is too short, or the lens is not curved enough. | The cornea or lens is irregularly shaped, like a rugby ball instead of a basketball. |
| Vision Affected | Difficulty focusing on nearby objects. | Blurry or distorted vision at both near and far distances. |
| Common Symptoms | Eyestrain, headaches, difficulty reading or doing close-up work. | Blurred vision, eye discomfort, and trouble seeing fine details. |
| Correction Methods | Glasses or contact lenses with convex lenses (plus power). | Glasses or contact lenses designed for astigmatism (toric lenses). |
| Surgery Option | LASIK or other refractive surgeries may correct it. | LASIK or other procedures tailored for astigmatism. |
| Diagnosis | Detected through a routine eye exam. | Diagnosed with specific tests measuring corneal shape and curvature. |
| Shape of the Eye | The eyeball is slightly shorter than normal. | The cornea or lens is uneven, causing light to scatter. |
Regular Eye Exams
These are important to detect vision threatening conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration before symptoms appear. Through an eye exam, you can update your eyewear prescription and prevent headaches and discomfort. The benefits are:
- Early detection of refractive errors
- Prevention of chronic vision problems
- Systemic health conditions like diabetes and hypertension
Now let’s get the most out of your ophthalmologist or optometrist.
See Your Doctor
Describing your symptoms accurately can make a big difference in the care you’ll get from your eye doctor.
Moreover, keeping a symptom diary before your visit can help you identify the pattern of your vision problems.
Before your appointment, try these:
- Tell all your symptoms even if they seem unrelated
- Be truthful about your lifestyle habits like screen time or contact lens use
- Ask for explanation on medical terms or treatment options you don’t understand
Lifestyle Tips for Eye Health
Eye health goes beyond regular exams. A diet rich in vitamins A, C and E can help your eyes. Staying hydrated is equally important as it helps maintain moisture and reduce dryness.
Here are some tips:
- Do ocular exercises to reduce stress and improve vision
- Wear glasses that block blue light to protect your eyes from digital screen exposure
Learn More: Why Is My Eyesight Getting Worse?
Vision Correction Updates
Recent developments in vision correction have made it more convenient and comfortable for patients. Contact lens design has improved to offer better comfort and sharper vision that can be tailored to each individual’s needs. Check out:
- More precise laser surgery
- Treatment based on eye mapping analysis
Bottom Line
With all of this in mind, hypermetropia (farsightedness) is caused by the shape of the eye affecting light focus and can lead to blurry vision for nearby objects.
Effective treatment options for both hypermetropia and astigmatism include glasses, contact lenses, and laser eye surgery. Also regular eye exams are essential for early detection of refractive errors and prevention of long-term vision problems.
