Nearsightedness and farsightedness are common visual conditions, and many people might have heard the misconception that if you have nearsightedness and later develop farsightedness, the two will cancel each other out, leading to normal vision again without needing glasses.
This belief is incorrect, as nearsightedness and farsightedness have different causes. Here's a breakdown:
What are Nearsightedness and Farsightedness?
Nearsightedness (Myopia)
Nearsightedness occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina. This results in blurry vision for distant objects while close-up objects remain clear.
Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
Farsightedness is the opposite, caused by an eye that's too short or a cornea that's too flat. This makes it difficult to see close-up objects clearly, but distant objects may remain in focus. The light focuses behind the retina.
Presbyopia (Age-related Farsightedness)
Presbyopia is another type of farsightedness that occurs due to the natural aging of the eye muscles. The lens becomes less flexible, making it difficult to focus on nearby objects. This typically starts around the age of 40.
Can Nearsightedness and Farsightedness Cancel Each Other Out?
Nearsightedness and farsightedness cannot cancel each other out. If you have both, it means you experience both blurred near and far vision. This can occur due to age-related farsightedness (presbyopia) combined with myopia.
How to Correct Both Nearsightedness and Farsightedness?
- Wear Glasses: Consider wearing glasses that allow for multiple focal lengths, such as bifocal lenses or progressive lenses.
- Contact Lenses: Multifocal contact lenses can correct both types of vision problems.
- Laser Surgery (LASIK): LASIK surgery can be an option to correct vision for those with both nearsightedness and farsightedness.
At Monde Eyewear, we offer free eye exams. If you're experiencing vision problems, come in for a detailed eye test conducted by our skilled staff and consult with our optometrists for solutions.
Visit us for eye exams, glasses, and expert advice on your vision health: Facebook: Monde Eyewear - แว่นตามองเด้ by นักทัศนมาตร / Line: @MondeEyewear