Hypermetropia vs Myopia: Understanding the Key Differences

You are probably thinking something is wrong with your eyes if you are struggling to see properly. Is it myopia or hypermetropia that is affecting your vision? Understanding hypermetropia vs myopia is essential. They are both common refractive errors.  They impact vision differently. 

Myopia, or nearsightedness, makes distant objects appear blurry. Hypermetropia, or farsightedness, makes it difficult to see nearby objects. These conditions result from differences in how the eye focuses light, often due to eyeball shape variations. Let’s explore the differences between hypermetropia vs myopia and discover how they affect your eye health and quality of life.

What is Hypermetropia (Farsightedness)?

Hypermetropia, also called farsightedness, makes it difficult to focus on nearby objects. Individuals with this condition see distant objects. Certain activities like reading books or using a phone may strain their eyes.

In hypermetropia, the eyeball is typically shorter than normal. This shortening causes light rays to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it, leading to blurry near vision. Even a slight deviation in the eyeball’s shape significantly impacts how the eye processes images, necessitating corrective lenses or treatments like cornea adjustments. 

Common signs of hypermetropia include headaches, eye strain, and difficulty focusing on close objects for prolonged periods. Children with undiagnosed hypermetropia may struggle academically due to poor reading ability. Mild cases often go unnoticed until tested by an eye specialist.

Hypermetropia may worsen over time, but this is distinct from age-related presbyopia, which is caused by the stiffening of the eye’s lens. Early diagnosis and corrective measures, like glasses or contact lenses, can ease symptoms. Advanced treatments like cornea treatment and lens implants are available for severe cases. 

The cost of treating hypermetropia in India varies based on the treatment method. Prescription glasses or contact lenses can range between ₹1,000 to ₹5,000. Advanced treatments like LASIK surgery cost around ₹30,000 to ₹80,000 per eye, depending on the hospital and technology used. Cornea treatments or lens implants may cost more.

Nethradhama Super Specialty Eye Hospital offers specialised care to manage hypermetropia effectively.

What is Myopia (Nearsightedness)?

In Myopia, the eyeball is usually longer than normal. It causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it. This elongation results in blurred, distant vision while nearby objects remain clear. 

Even a small increase in length can significantly impair vision. Myopia often begins in childhood and may progress with age, particularly with habits like extended screen use or reading up close.

Frequent squinting, blurry vision when looking at distant objects, and difficulty seeing boards or TV screens are typical symptoms of myopia. Genetics, screen time, and a lack of outdoor activities contribute to the development of myopia. Corrective lenses or glasses are the most common solutions.

In advanced cases, retina treatment or LASIK surgery can provide lasting solutions. Seeking timely consultation from experts can prevent complications and improve quality of life.

The cost to treat myopia may differ slightly from hypermetropia, but both share similar ranges for standard treatments. Glasses or contact lenses generally cost between ₹1,000 to ₹5,000. LASIK surgery for myopia is similarly priced at ₹30,000 to ₹80,000 per eye. However, for advanced cases requiring ICL (Implantable Contact Lenses) or retina care, the costs may increase, depending on the clinic and procedure complexity. 

Difference Between Myopia and Hypermetropia

Myopia and hypermetropia are two of the most common refractive errors that affect how the eye focuses light. It is necessary to know the difference between myopia and hypermetropia. 

Myopia, or nearsightedness, makes distant objects appear blurry, while hypermetropia, or farsightedness, makes it difficult to see close objects. These conditions are primarily caused by differences in the eyeball’s shape and how light rays focus on the retina. 

Understanding their differences helps choose the right treatment options, such as glasses, contact lenses, or advanced interventions like retina treatment and cornea treatment. Below is a detailed comparison of both conditions.

Causes of Myopia and Hypermetropia 

Several factors influence myopia and hypermetropia, including genetics, eye shape, and environmental factors. Let’s examine each of these in detail as we compare the causes of myopia and hypermetropia. 

Genetics: If one or both parents have myopia or hypermetropia, the chances of children inheriting these refractive errors are significantly higher. Genetic predisposition plays a key role. Conditions can appear at a young age or worsen over time. Studies show that the likelihood of myopia increases if siblings also have it, highlighting the hereditary nature of these conditions.

Eye Shape: The eyeball’s shape determines how light is focused on the retina. In myopia, the eyeball is longer, making distant objects appear blurry as light focuses in front of the retina. In hypermetropia, the shorter eyeball shifts the focus behind the retina, making nearby objects difficult to see. These variations in shape significantly impact vision.

Environmental Factors: Prolonged screen time, reading in poor lighting, and minimal outdoor activity are closely linked to myopia. Children spending excessive time indoors are more prone to developing myopia due to limited exposure to natural light. Hypermetropia can worsen with age, especially with prolonged close-up tasks like reading. Eye fatigue from long hours spent focusing on near objects can exacerbate the condition.

Understanding these causes helps manage and reduce the progression of both conditions. Regular eye check-ups are essential for early detection and correction.

Symptoms of Myopia vs Hypermetropia 

Both hypermetropia and myopia have distinct symptoms. Let us look at them closely in this hypermetropia vs myopia comparison. 

Myopia symptoms include difficulty seeing distant objects, frequent squinting, and blurry vision when looking at distant screens.

Hypermetropia symptoms can be eye strain during reading or phone use, headaches after prolonged close-up tasks, and difficulty focussing on nearby objects.

Timely detection through eye tests is essential for both conditions. Delayed treatment may worsen symptoms and affect daily activities.

Conclusion

Understanding hypermetropia vs myopia ensures early intervention and better vision management. Hypermetropia makes it difficult to see nearby objects, while myopia blurs distant vision. Both conditions can be corrected with the right solutions.

Glasses or contact lenses offer immediate relief for both refractive errors. For those seeking more permanent solutions, advanced cornea treatments or LASIK surgery are available. Timely diagnosis is crucial, especially for children whose vision issues may impact learning and development. Adults experiencing eye fatigue or blurred vision should also undergo regular eye exams to detect these conditions early.

Consulting an eye specialist ensures the right diagnosis and treatment plan. Specialised care at Nethradhama Super Specialty Eye Hospital ensures that patients receive appropriate treatment, from prescription lenses to advanced surgical options.

Addressing vision issues proactively ensures that both children and adults can enjoy clear vision and maintain their quality of life.