There are several eye conditions that are very common. Even though they are common, they can still be hazardous if left untreated and can affect your quality of life. In this article, we will talk about near-sightedness and far-sightedness. Many people suffer from one or the other of these two issues. Left untreated however, your eyes may become worse, and even everyday tasks may become difficult if corrective glasses, contacts, or surgery, if recommended by your doctor, are not utilized.
NEAR-SIGHTEDNESS - also known as short-sightedness or myopia, causes objects that are far away to be blurry, while closer items appear clear. Near-sightedness occurs when your eye shape is longer than normal, or your cornea has too much of a curve. When this happens, light rays bend (refract) incorrectly, focusing images in the front of your retina instead of on your retina. It's a very common condition. A basic eye exam may confirm near-sightedness, and can be corrected by glasses, contacts, or refractive surgery. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you.
Because it may develop gradually, it may be difficult to realize you are developing near-sightedness. This is why it's important to have an eye exam every year or every other year (or as frequently as your eye doctor recommends). Here are some signs to watch for:
Signs of near-sightedness:
- persistent squinting
- the need to sit closer to the TV or the front of the classroom
- unaware of distant objects
- blink excessively
- rub eyes frequently
A rare complication of severe near-sightedness is retinal detachment. If you start experiencing any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately - time is critical:
- the sudden appearance of many floaters that seem to drift through your field of vision
- flashes of light in one or both eyes
- a curtain-like shadow over your visual field
FAR-SIGHTEDNESS - also known as hyperopia, causes objects that are far away to be clear, but closer items appear blurry. For some, both objects near and far may appear blurry. This happens because your eyeball is shorter than normal or your cornea has too small of a curve, causing the opposite effect of near-sightedness. It's a very common condition, and is often present at birth. If you suspect far-sightedness, a basic eye exam may confirm your suspicions, and can be corrected by glasses, contacts, or surgery. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you.
Because it may develop gradually, it may be difficult to realize you are developing far-sightedness. This is why it's important to have an eye exam every year or every other year (or as frequently as your eye doctor recommends). Here are some signs to watch for:
Signs of far-sightedness:
- objects that are nearby appear blurry
- squinting to see clearly
- eyestrain, including burning eyes, and aching in or around your eyes
- general eye discomfort or headache after long intervals of conducting tasks close to your eyes
Even if you don't notice it, you may be suffering from near- or far-sightedness. Schedule an eye appointment today to have your eyes checked.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nearsightedness/symptoms-causes/syc-20375556
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/farsightedness/symptoms-causes/syc-20372495
