Nearsighted, Farsighted, Astigmatism, and Presbyopia Explained

Below are short explanations of the most common visual conditions causing you to need glasses or contact lenses. LASIK surgery can correct some of these. Each person’s eyes are different and visual needs can vary. Schedule an eye exam for an in-depth explanation of your particular situation.

What is Nearsighted? (“Myopia”)

When you are nearsighted, the light focuses in front of your retina because your eyeball is too long. Your glasses or contact lenses will have minus power to move the image back to the retina so you can see clearly. Nearsighted patient have trouble seeing to drive, movies, TV, etc. This often starts as you grow, particularly as a teenager or in the early 20’s

What is Farsighted? (“Hyperopia”)

When you are farsighted, the light focuses behind your retina because your eyeball is too short. Your glasses or contacts will have plus power to bring the image forward so you can see clearly. Farsighted patients often notice more eyestrain and blurred vision when using a computer or reading. This becomes more noticeable as we get into our 20’s and 30’s.

What is Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is when your eyes are not round…you have more curvature in one direction than the other. Think of a “T” whose vertical and horizontal lines have been separated. This can cause blur at distance and at near. People with astigmatism often squint to see clearer, which can lead to eyestrain, headaches, and “tired eyes”. Wearing glasses or toric contact lenses will help you see clearer.

Why do I need Bifocals?

Our eyes change as we enter our 40’s – presbyopia (“older sight”). The lens, which sits right behind the pupil, starts to lose its flexibility. This means we can’t focus between distance and near as easily. Computers and reading are more difficult. Even if you haven’t worn glasses before, wearing progressives, bifocals, or reading glasses will help you see better and relief eyestrain.