Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a condition that affects millions of children and adults and has been on the rise in the United States in recent decades. It is the most common of refractive errors—or imperfections of the eye—in which objects nearby can be seen clearly, while those at a distance appear blurry.
Many families have passed on myopia for generations, but some eye care professionals believe that increased computer use and eye fatigue, along with heredity, may be affecting the pace today. Although the true cause is unknown, myopia generally happens when the eyeball is too long. It may also occur when the lens or the cornea, the domed front of the eye, is too curved. These shape irregularities do not allow the eye to focus the entering light rays at the proper point.
The most typical behavior of nearsighted people is often seen at school when they have trouble reading the blackboard, or out and about, when they cannot make out faraway signs. They may be fine looking at close-up objects—like a computer screen or phone—but have trouble watching TV. The most common symptoms and signs associated with myopia are:
Nearsightedness cannot be prevented and it usually is diagnosed in children 8 to 12 years old. It can advance quickly in the teens, but in most cases it stops progressing on its own in early adulthood. Myopia can be low or high, and treatment options may be affected by the severity and the stage of life.
When myopia goes uncorrected, your performance and quality of life are affected. Poor far vision can disrupt the learning process for children and adults, as well as their enjoyment of sports, the outdoors and other forms of entertainment. Safety is compromised for drivers and for workers who need accurate vision or interact with machinery. Resulting headaches and eyestrain can also take their toll, so if you experience them see an eye care professional.
Once you both decide on treatment, nearsightedness can be effectively corrected with glasses, contact lenses or eye surgery. Soft contact lenses are a popular and comfortable choice for many people, and their flexible wearing times—daily, weekly or monthly—make them very convenient. Nearsightedness does not impact the health of the eye, except for people with severe myopia, who may be at a higher risk for glaucoma, and other serious conditions.
To learn more about nearsightedness, its symptoms and treatments, visit myeyes.com.
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is not a condition as widespread as nearsightedness. Yet it is also a common refractive error—or imperfection of the eye—that can be inherited and eventually needs correction. When you are farsighted, you can see distant objects clearly while objects that are close-up appear blurry.
There is no way to prevent farsightedness and it affects both children and adults. It occurs naturally when your eyeball is shorter than usual or when your lens or cornea—the domed front of your eye—is irregularly shaped. These imperfections prevent the eye from focusing entering light rays at the proper point.
It is believed that most people are born with some farsightedness, yet the experience and timing varies. Many individuals do not notice it when they are young, because the natural lenses are very flexible and compensate focus for some time. As the eye ages, the focusing problem becomes impossible to mask, at which time they are diagnosed by an eye care professional.
With mild farsightedness you may still see fairly well at close-up range, but with higher degrees you may have trouble seeing both near and far. Some of the common symptoms and signs of hyperopia are:
As with other eye conditions, being farsighted and not having the proper correction can get in the way of our lives. In children, in particular, hyperopia may deter their progress and engagement at school. They are also at greater risk for crossed eyes. For adults, safety and wellness is also a concern, as eyestrain and headaches can mount and performing tasks that need intense or delicate close-up work can become difficult.
See an eye care professional if you experience symptoms, and when diagnosed, start your treatment as soon as possible. Hyperopia is corrected easily and effectively with eyeglasses, contact lenses or eye surgery. For many people, contact lenses offer a sharper, wider field of vision than eyeglasses and provide greater comfort.1 They also come in a variety of replacement schedules—daily, weekly or monthly—to fit conveniently into your lifestyle.
To learn more about farsightedness, its symptoms and treatments, visit myeyes.com.
AIR OPTIX® AQUA breathable* contact lenses have a core that is made of a state-of-the-art silicone hydrogel material that is protected by an ultra-smooth surface technology. These two technologies work together to create a protective layer of moisture at the surface that resists irritating deposits and allow up to 5X more oxygen through the lens than traditional soft contact lenses.1 The result of this combination of advanced technologies is up to 30 days of consistently clear and comfortable vision2 as well as outstanding breathability* for white, healthy-looking eyes.
Your eye care professional can determine the contact lens and correction that are best for you. The quick contact lens snapshot below includes all available prescriptions.
Click here for general information about contact lens care and wear.
†Eye exam may be required before lens trial. Professional fees for eye exam may apply. One pair of non-corrective AIR OPTIX® COLORS contact lenses for wear in-office only. Offer available at participating offices.
‡One-month trial refers to a recommended replacement schedule of up to 4 weeks as determined by the eye care professional.
§Not everyone can sleep in lenses or wear lenses for a full 30 nights. Ask your eye care professional for complete wear, care, and safety information. Important Safety Information.
