Is reading a newspaper harder than it used to be? Issues with close vision are common, and knowing what you’re affected by is the key to finding a good solution. Presbyopia vs. hyperopia: what are they, and how should you deal with them?
Presbyopia vs. Hyperopia
People often notice a shift in their eyesight, especially as they get older. One of the most common ways eyesight can change as you age is struggling to see things that are close to you. This issue can result in headaches, blurred vision, and other problems. So, where does it come from, and how can you fix it?
Two common conditions cause this issue in adults. They’re called presbyopia and hyperopia. The treatment that will be most effective for you depends on which one you are affected by.
Hyperopia
Hyperopia is a condition more commonly known as “farsightedness.” It is caused by your cornea not reflecting light correctly to your optic nerve. This can occur if the cornea is not adequately curved or the eyeball is shorter than average. As a result, things closer to the eye can appear blurred. Common symptoms include headaches, blurred vision, and crossed eyes. It is usually noticed in children when they reach reading age and report difficulties, but it can also occur or worsen later in life. Prescription glasses are the most common intervention for hyperopia and are typically needed from an early age.
Presbyopia
Do you know anyone who depends on a pair of reading glasses instead of prescription lenses? If so, they probably have presbyopia. Presbyopia is the medical term for how close reading can become more difficult as we age. As we age, our eye lenses become less flexible and less effective at reflecting light to the back of the optic nerve. As a result, a condition similar to hyperopia develops. Those with presbyopia often find themselves doing things like squinting at tiny text or holding it farther away from themselves before they are diagnosed. The condition usually becomes apparent at 40, though it can develop earlier in some people.
What Can I Do About It?
If you suspect you have presbyopia or hyperopia, you should first make an appointment with an eye doctor. An exam from a qualified medical professional is the only way to determine which condition you’re dealing with. They’ll also be able to make recommendations regarding the intervention that’s most likely to be effective.
Treatment usually depends on how likely your prescription is to continue changing. An intervention like LASIK can be successful if you have mild to moderate presbyopia or hyperopia with a prescription that does not change. If the prescription is still changing, an intervention like reading or prescription glasses might make more sense. Because of this, a doctor may be more likely to recommend LASIK for hyperopia than presbyopia, as presbyopia tends to continue to worsen over time.
Remember that only an eye doctor can determine what’s best for you.
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Presbyopia vs. hyperopia: no matter which condition you have, an eye doctor can help. Please feel free to see us if you’re in southwest Missouri and have questions about your eye health.
If you need quality eye care, stop by Heffington’s if you live in southwest Missouri. Since 1975, the Heffington family has been assisting the Springfield community with top-quality eye care and affordable eyeglasses and contacts. One of the unique features of our family-owned business is that we manufacture lenses at our own laboratory, giving us total control over the service and pricing, and we’re happy to pass our savings on to you. To learn more about our products and services, please get in touch with us online, send an e-mail to asktheexperts@heffingtons.com, or give us a call at 417-869-3937 (Optiland location) or 417-882-3937 (House of Vision location). We look forward to hearing from you!