Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error in which distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly. This is caused by an elongation of the eyeball or a steep curvature of the cornea, resulting in light being focused in front of the retina instead of directly on it. On the other hand, hypermetropia, also known as farsightedness, is a refractive error in which close objects appear blurry while distant objects can be seen clearly. This is caused by a shortened eyeball or a flat curvature of the cornea, resulting in light being focused behind the retina instead of directly on it.
If you have difficulty seeing objects clearly, whether they are close or far, you may have a refractive error such as myopia or hypermetropia. It is important to get an eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist to determine the exact type and degree of your refractive error. They will perform tests such as a visual acuity test and a refraction test to diagnose and determine the correct prescription for your glasses or contact lenses.
Yes, both myopia and hypermetropia can be treated with corrective lenses such as glasses or contact lenses. These lenses work by changing the way light enters the eye, correcting the refractive error and allowing for clear vision. In some cases, refractive surgery such as LASIK may be recommended by an eye doctor to permanently correct myopia or hypermetropia.
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent myopia or hypermetropia, there are some steps that may help reduce the risk of developing these refractive errors. These include spending time outdoors, practicing good eye hygiene (such as taking breaks from screen time and maintaining proper lighting), and getting regular eye exams to catch any changes in vision early on.
Yes, both myopia and hypermetropia can be hereditary. If one or both parents have a refractive error, their children are more likely to develop the same or a similar refractive error. However, there are also other factors that can contribute to the development of myopia and hypermetropia, such as environmental factors and lifestyle habits, so not all cases are solely based on genetics.