Nearsighted vs. Farsighted

Nearsightedness and farsightedness are two of the most common vision problems in the U.S. If you are nearsighted, it means that you can see objects that are close but things that are farther away appear blurred. If you are farsighted, it means that you can see things in the distance clearly, but things that are close appear unfocused. Dr. Lan O’Donnell and Dr. Heidi Gonzalez are eye doctors at O’Donnell Eye Institute in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, where they provide glasses for nearsightedness and farsightedness.

Nearsightedness Explained

Santa Rosa Beach residents who are nearsighted, or myopic, have difficulty seeing objects in the distance. For example, you will have no problem reading a newspaper but will find it hard to see your TV screen clearly. This condition is either due to the fact that your eyeball is longer than usual, or your eyes’ lenses are too curved, which makes it difficult for your retina to focus light.

Farsightedness Explained

Farsightedness, or hyperopia, occurs if your eyeball is too short or your eyes’ lenses are not curved sufficiently for the light to focus properly. This causes close vision to be blurred. This condition is less common than myopia and can be more difficult to detect in basic vision tests.

Changes in your Vision

Even if you have had perfect vision throughout your life, your vision may begin to change as you get older. This is not uncommon. Changes might take place when you reach your 40s or 60s. Fortunately, eye problems such as nearsightedness and farsightedness are easily treatable with corrective lenses in glasses or contact lenses.

If you live in Santa Rosa Beach and you are having problems with your vision, call Dr. O’Donnell and Dr. Gonzalez at (850) 622-4000 to schedule an appointment for a vision test.