It's estimated that 28% of people are affected by anisometropia, a condition where there is a difference in the refractive errors of each eye. This can cause an individual to be both nearsighted and farsighted.
So, what exactly does this mean? Keep reading to learn more.
Key Takeaways
- Farsightedness (hyperopia) and nearsightedness (myopia) are refractive errors that cause either nearby or distant objects to appear blurry.
- Hyperopia and myopia can lead to other symptoms, including eye strain, headaches, blurry vision, double vision, or squinting.
- Yes, it is possible to suffer from both nearsightedness and farsightedness. Typically, one eye is nearsighted while the other eye is farsighted.
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What Is Hyperopia and Myopia?
There are some terms you need to be familiar with if you are curious about the co-existence of farsightedness and nearsightedness.
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Hyperopia: Also known as farsightedness, hyperopia is a refractive error where nearby objects appear blurry, but distant objects are clear.
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Myopia: Also known as nearsightedness, myopia is a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry, but close-up objects are clear.
Refractive errors occur when the cornea is abnormally shaped, the eyeball is too long or too short, or the lens is improperly curved.
If you struggle to see or have suspected vision problems, visit your optometrist for an eye exam. Not only do eye exams detect refractive errors that can cause vision problems, but they also screen you for signs of disease and work on early treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of Hyperopia and Myopia?
There are a few ways that hyperopia and/or myopia can affect your day-to-day life. Individuals with hyperopia or myopia may experience symptoms like blurry vision, difficulty focusing, reduced depth perception, double vision, eye strain, headaches, and squinting.
It's important to seek treatment for any vision problems. This is especially true for those who have both hyperopia and myopia.
If left untreated, the brain will start to favor one eye over the other - usually, the eye with the less severe refractive error. This can lead to future visual impairments, long-term vision problems, and reduced ocular health.
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Can Someone Have Both Hyperopia and Myopia?
It's time to get to the heart of this discussion. Can someone be both nearsighted and farsighted?
The answer is yes, you can suffer from both nearsightedness and farsightedness. This usually doesn't happen in the same eye, however. Usually, one eye is nearsighted, and the other eye is farsighted. This is a condition called anisometropia.
If you have a refractive error, including anisometropia, you'll need corrective lenses, such as glasses, contact lenses, or corrective surgery like LASIK. A comprehensive eye exam will ensure you get the correct prescription to fix your poor vision.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is yes, you can be both nearsighted and farsighted. This usually doesn't happen in one eye but across both eyes. If you have vision issues, you should pay your optometrist a visit and find a way to enjoy clear vision once and for all!
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People Also Ask
How rare is it to be both farsighted and nearsighted?
It is relatively rare to be both farsighted and nearsighted, though it is possible.
This usually doesn't happen in the same eye, and is instead the result of one eye being farsighted and one eye being nearsighted.
This condition is referred to as anisometropia, and it is estimated that between 20% to 30% of people with either nearsightedness or farsightedness also experience some form of anisometropia.
What happens if you are nearsighted and farsighted?
If you are both nearsighted and farsighted, you likely have anisometropia. That can cause your brain to choose one eye over the other, resulting in a dominant eye. In this case, you'll need glasses with a different prescription in each lens.
Are there glasses for both nearsighted and farsighted?
Yes! The type and prescription of your glasses will depend on your unique situation. For example, bifocal or multifocal lenses can have multiple prescriptions in one lens.
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