What are Short-Sightedness and Long-Sightedness?

Have you ever wondered why some people struggle to see objects up close, while others find it hard to focus on distant objects? What causes these differences in vision, and how prevalent are these conditions?

In Australia, about 55% of the population report having a sight defect, with these two conditions being the most common.

Short-sightedness and long-sightedness are not just about blurry vision; they can have broader implications for eye health.

So, what are the steps we can take to prevent or manage these conditions? Stay tuned to our blog as we explore the causes, treatments, and preventive measures for short-sightedness and long-sightedness.

What is Short-Sightedness?

Short-sightedness, or myopia, is a common vision problem where distant objects appear blurred while near objects are seen clearly. The main cause of myopia is an elongation of the eyeball, which leads to light focusing in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This condition typically begins in childhood and may worsen until leveling off in the mid-20s. It can also develop in middle age in some cases.

There are several key factors contributing to the development of myopia:

1. Genetics: The risk of developing myopia is higher if one or both parents are short-sighted. Research has identified over 200 genes associated with refractive errors and myopia, indicating a strong genetic component.
2. Environmental Factors: Lifestyle choices and environmental factors also play a significant role in the development of myopia. Key factors include:
   1. Prolonged near work, such as reading or using digital devices, which is linked to higher odds of becoming short-sighted.
   2. Limited time spent outdoors. Research has shown that spending more time outdoors in natural daylight can reduce the risk of developing myopia and slow its progression.
3. Vision Habits: Focusing up close for extended periods, like using a computer or smartphone, can influence the onset and progression of myopia. Encouraging regular breaks during focused near work and spending more time outdoors can help reduce the risk.

Detecting myopia early in childhood is crucial, as children may not always show obvious signs of the condition. Regular eye exams are recommended to monitor and manage myopia effectively.

What is Long-Sightedness?

Long-sightedness, also known as hypermetropia or hyperopia, is a common vision problem where distant objects can be seen clearly, but close objects appear blurred. This condition occurs when the eyeball is too short or the cornea is too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it.

Hypermetropia can be present from birth and many children are born with this condition. It’s common for young children to be slightly long-sighted but they usually outgrow it as their eyeball lengthens with normal growth. However, long-sightedness can become more noticeable and problematic above the age of 40 years, a condition known as presbyopia, which is due to the stiffening of the eye’s lens with age.

The prevalence of hyperopia varies by age. Among 6-year-old children, the prevalence is about 8.4 percent. This prevalence decreases to 2 to 3 percent among children aged 9 to 14 years and further drops to approximately 1 percent among 15-year-olds. This is based on the National Library of Medicine.

Common symptoms of hypermetropia include difficulty focusing on close objects, eye strain, headaches, and sometimes fatigue after prolonged near work. In severe cases, it can also lead to problems such as lazy eye (amblyopia) or squint (strabismus).

Treatment for hypermetropia involves corrective measures to change the way light is refracted into the eyes. The most common treatments include:

1. Glasses: Convex prescription lenses (plus lenses) are used to bend light rays slightly inwards, helping the eye to focus light correctly on the retina.
2. Contact lenses: These work similarly to glasses but are placed directly on the eye’s surface. Various types are available, including soft or rigid gas-permeable lenses.
3. Laser eye surgery: Procedures like LASIK, PRK, and LASEK can reshape the cornea to correct the refractive error, though suitability for this option should be determined by a specialist.
4. Lens surgery: Also known as refractive lens exchange, this involves replacing the eye’s natural lens with a synthetic intraocular lens. This method is more suitable for individuals over 50 years of age.

Early detection and regular eye examinations are essential for managing long-sightedness effectively. If symptoms like headaches, eye strain, or difficulty focusing on close objects are present, consulting an eye care professional, such as those available through comprehensive optometry services, is recommended for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Treatments and Alternatives for Long-Sightedness and Short-Sightedness

Treating long-sightedness (hypermetropia) and short-sightedness (myopia) involves several methods aimed at correcting the refractive errors in the eye to focus light correctly on the retina.

These treatments are crucial for improving vision and preventing complications associated with these conditions.

For Short-Sightedness (Myopia):

1. Prescription Lenses: Glasses and contact lenses are commonly used to correct myopia. They work by counteracting the increased curve of the cornea or the elongated shape of the eyeball, ensuring light focuses correctly on the retina.
2. Refractive Surgery: Options like LASIK, LASEK, PRK, and SMILE are available for myopia correction. These surgeries involve reshaping the cornea with a laser or removing a small part of the cornea to correct vision.
3. Myopia Control: In children and adolescents, treatments like low-dose atropine eye drops, increased time outdoors, dual focus contact lenses, and orthokeratology (wearing rigid contact lenses overnight) show promise in slowing the progression of myopia.

For Long-Sightedness (Hypermetropia):

1. Glasses: Convex lenses (plus lenses) in glasses help by bending light rays inwards, providing additional focusing power to the eye, thereby allowing light to focus on the retina.
2. Contact Lenses: These lenses perform the same function as glasses but sit directly on the surface of the eye. Various types, including soft or rigid gas-permeable lenses, are available based on individual needs and prescriptions.
3. Laser Eye Surgery: This is an option for some people with long-sightedness, especially those who seek a permanent solution. It involves reshaping the cornea to correct the refractive error.
4. Lens Surgery: Refractive lens exchange (RLE) replaces the eye’s natural lens with a synthetic intraocular lens, which can correct long-sightedness. This is more suitable for individuals over 50 years of age.

Both myopia and hyperopia can be easily corrected with prescription spectacles or contact lenses. Refractive surgeries like LASIK and PRK are also effective options once vision stabilises, usually in a person’s early 20s.

However, it’s important to consult with an eye care specialist to determine the best treatment based on individual conditions and lifestyle.

At EyeSelect, we understand the importance of proper eye care and the impact of vision problems on daily life. We offer a range of services and products, including high-quality glasses and contact lenses, tailored to individual needs and preferences. Our team of experts can guide you through the process of selecting the right treatment and ensure that you receive the best possible care for your vision needs.