Nearsighted vs. Farsighted: Understanding the Difference

What Does Nearsighted Mean?

What is nearsightedness? Medically referred to as myopia, nearsightedness occurs when the light entering the retina falls short, causing distant objects to appear blurry. This typically occurs because the cornea might have a bigger than average curvature, or the eyeball is too long. If you have nearsightedness, your close-up vision is not affected.

What causes nearsightedness? This condition typically runs in the family. It often occurs early in childhood and can develop slowly over time, or rapidly. Symptoms will usually worsen as a child grows, and through adolescence. Signs a child is developing or has nearsightedness may include:

• Constant squinting
• Sitting closer to television or object they’re viewing in order to see it clearly
• Lacking awareness of far objects
• Rubbing eyes constantly
• Excessive blinking

Nearsighted symptoms can include:

• Distant objects appearing blurry or fuzzy
• Squinting to see clearly
• Eyestrain
• Headaches
• Difficulty seeing at night

What Does Farsighted Mean?

What is farsightedness? Medically referred to as hyperopia, farsightedness occurs when light is focused behind the retina instead of directly on it. Farsightedness is caused by a flat cornea, or if the eyeball is too short. Different from being nearsighted, a far-sighted person will be able to see things faraway, but objects nearby will appear blurry.

Farsightedness is typically present at birth and often runs in the family. Signs of farsightedness include:

• Objects nearby appear blurry of fuzzy
• Squinting to see clearly
• Eyestrain, such as burning or aching eyes
• General eye discomfort, which may lead to headaches