What is The Difference Between Myopia and Hyperopia?

Jun 22, 2023 | Myopia Management

VisionQuest Child Patients

When it comes to common vision disorders, myopia and hyperopia are often confused. In the

article, we’ll dive deep into these distinct vision impairments, understand their distinctive

characteristics, and explore current treatment modalities.

Understanding Myopia and Hyperopia

Myopia, also referred to as nearsightedness, is a vision condition whose symptoms are blurry

distance vision. This is a result of the eye growing too long from front to back leading to blurry

vision when looking at faraway objects.

On the other hand, hyperopia, or farsightedness, is the opposite. Distant objects are clear, but

those up close appear blurry. This condition occurs when the eye is too short from front to back,

or the cornea is too flat, leading to light focusing behind the retina.

Diagnosis and Differences

The diagnosis of both conditions involves scheduling a routine eye exam – especially one

trained to spot myopia like the doctors at Treehouse Eyes. These exams include visual acuity

tests, refraction assessments, and eye health evaluations. Be sure that your eyecare provider is

measuring your child’s axial length to ensure an accurate diagnosis of myopia. Axial length will

measure how long the eye is front to back.

Notably, the critical difference between myopia and hyperopia lies in their distinct symptoms and

the way they affect vision. People with myopia often have difficulty viewing road signs, and

whiteboards, or watching a movie at a cinema or at home. In contrast, those with hyperopia may

struggle with tasks like reading, using a smartphone, doing homework, and other times where

closer vision is necessary.

Treatment Modalities

Fortunately, both myopia and hyperopia are manageable with several treatment options. The

key for both, but especially myopia, is early detection and treatment. Myopia is a disease that

typically develops in children (ages 6 – 12) and continues through puberty until the child stops

growing. This can sometimes be well into adulthood (25 years old in some cases) which is why

early treatment and prevention are key to slowing or stopping the progression of myopia.

For children, orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is a potential treatment. It involves the use of specially

designed gas-permeable contact lenses that temporarily reshape the cornea to help treat your

child’s myopia. Recent studies suggest that certain types of multifocal contact lenses may slow

the progression of myopia in children. Furthermore, low-dose atropine eye drops have shown

promising results in minimizing the advancement of myopia.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between myopia and hyperopia is vital in recognizing the need

for a timely eye exam and appropriate treatment. Through modern optometry, children are now

able to receive the treatment and care they need to improve their vision and quality of life.

Remember, regular eye examinations are critical to detect any visual impairments at an early

stage. If your child is experiencing any changes in their vision, contact your local Treehouse

Eyes doctor.

Let Treehouse Eyes Help Your Child Manage Myopia

Treehouse Eyes’ doctors use modern equipment to develop personalized treatment plans for

your child. Our treatment plans include special prescription eye drops and customized daytime

and overnight contact lenses. Treehouse Eyes doctors determine which treatment plan works

the best for your child at your initial consultation. Schedule a consultation now to find out more

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