Understanding Myopia and Hyperopia in a Clearer Light

Myopia and hyperopia are common vision problems, with Singapore named as the ‘Myopia Capital of the World’ and hyperopia affecting a large portion of the population albeit less prevalent than myopia. Astigmatism, also a common refractive error, affects 40% of the population worldwide. Read more to gain a further understanding of these eye conditions.  

What is myopia? 

Myopia (AKA short-sightedness) causes distant objects to be blur while objects up close tend to be clear. Light rays enter our eyes allowing us to see. To get the ideal sharpness and clarity, these light rays have to focus on the back of the eye, called the retina. Myopia progresses when these light rays are focused in front of the retina, causing blurry vision at far. This is a result of the eyeball elongating or when the curvature of the cornea is too steep. Myopia develops typically in childhood and adolescence. Common symptoms include blurry vision, having the need to squint, and holding objects closer to see.  

How do I reduce the risk of myopia?  

Reducing the risk of myopia in children is essential as their eyes are still developing. Cut down on prolonged near-work activity by taking frequent visual breaks, such as following the 20-6-20 rule. After 20 minutes of screen time, look at an object approximately 6 metres away for 20 seconds. It is also wise to reduce screen time and spend more time outdoors. These eye care habits help lower eye strain, slowing myopia progression. An important thing to note is genetics play a role in the risk of developing myopia.  

What is hyperopia? 

Hyperopia (AKA long-sightedness) causes near vision to be blur but objects far away are seen clear. Unlike myopia, hyperopia progresses when the light rays entering our eyes focus behind the retina, causing blurry vision at near. This results from a shorter-than-normal eyeball or when the curvature of the cornea is too flat. Prevalence of hyperopia increases over the age of 40 as chances of developing presbyopia increases. Common symptoms include difficulty reading, double vision and squinting while reading and eye strain. Children under the age of 7 having hyperopia of +3.00D and above are highly encouraged to visit an eye specialist as risks of amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (eyes look in different directions) arises.  

Is presbyopia and hyperopia the same? 

Presbyopia develops alongside myopia and hyperopia. It is common to have both existing at the same time. The only difference between presbyopia and hyperopia is the cause, despite having similar visual effects. Presbyopia is a natural result of ageing and becomes noticeable around the age of 40, worsening until mid-60s. The muscles in the eye weakens with age and focusing on nearby objects will be harder, often leading to blurred vision at near work. If you find yourself having the tendency to hold your newspapers further away to gain better clarity, you may have presbyopia.  

 What is astigmatism? 

Ever noticed starbursts of light when looking at a street lamp at night? Or how the numbers 3, 6, 8 and 9 look hard to distinguish from one another? Astigmatism may be the main culprit. Astigmatism distorts vision at all distances due to corneal irregularities. It can also co-exist with myopia and hyperopia. Astigmatism is a common condition, affecting 1 in 3 people. Some symptoms include seeing glare or haloes around lights, headaches and eye strain. There is no way to prevent astigmatism and is not usually caused by health issues.  

Seeing the World Through a Different Lens 

All of the refractive errors mentioned above can be corrected with the use of spectacles, contact lenses or surgical options. Got any queries or looking to correct your vision? Be sure to drop by and our team of optometrists will assist you! 

References 

1. Picture of myopia and hyperopia comparison: Asia Pacific Eye Centre. (2024, September 19). Myopia - Causes, symptoms, Treatments | APEC. https://www.asiapacificeyecentre.com.sg/myopia/ 

2. Diagram of myopia and hyperopia: Sydney Ophthalmic Specialists. (2017, January 31). Hyperopia – back to basics. https://sosdoctors.com.au/hyperopia-back-to-basics/ 

3. Picture of hyperopia vs presbyopia:  Difference between Hyperopia and Presbyopia. Difference Between. https://www.differencebetween.net/science/health/difference-between-hyperopia-and-presbyopia/