Eyesight problems are common and often do not occur because of eye disease. People can have healthy eyes, but still be short-sighted, long-sighted, or have astigmatism. The good news is that most people with either short sight or long sight can be treated if they have access to corrective lenses in the form of glasses or contact lenses. It is also possible to correct many refractive errors through laser eye surgery.
Short-Sightedness
Short-sightedness is also termed myopia. It is a type of refractive error. In this condition, the person is not able to see distant objects clearly while there is no problem in viewing near objects. In healthy vision, the image is formed on the retina, while in myopia, the image is formed in front of the retina. This results in blurred vision for objects which are far away. Short-sightedness is one of the most common refractive errors throughout the world.
Long-Sightedness
Long-sightedness is also termed hypermetropia. Unlike myopia, long-sightedness is characterized by the inability of a person to see near objects. It is to be noted that our eyes are accommodated and focussed to see the far objects. While we are young, the focus on far objects is compensated by the muscles of our eyes. However, as we age, this compensation gets reduced and we face problems in focusing on near objects. Thus, by their mid-40s, people require reading glasses. In long-sightedness, the image of the object is formed beyond the retina.
Difference Between Long-Sightedness And Short-Sightedness
Both short-sightedness and log-sightedness are refractive errors. However, both are different. In short-sightedness, the person is not able to see distant objects while in long-sightedness, the person is not able to see near objects. Image is formed in front of the eyes in short-sightedness while it is formed beyond the retina in long-sightedness. The glasses of negative power are required for short-sightedness while positive power glasses are required for long-sightedness.
Treatment For Refractive Errors
Following are some of the treatment options for refractive errors:
Glasses: Glasses are one of the most common options for people with refractive errors. However, because of the problem of handling glasses, many people opt to get rid of glasses.
Contact lens: For those people who do not want to wear glasses, a contact lens is another option. However, care is required while wearing the lens as these have the potential to cause infection.
LASIK surgery: In LASIK surgery, the refractive error is managed by reshaping the cornea with the help of a laser.
Intraocular lens: The intraocular lens is fitted in those people who do not have the option for LASIK surgery.
Refractive lens exchange: During this process, the natural lens is replaced with a synthetic lens. The multifocal lens may be used that can focus both on far and near objects.
All surgical processes are safe and effective in correcting refractive errors.
If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an eye doctor.
