Have you ever struggled to read road signs from a distance or found yourself squinting at your phone screen? These common frustrations may be signs of refractive errors – specifically nearsighted or farsighted. But what do those terms actually mean? And how can you tell which one applies to you?
Let’s break it down.
What does it mean to be Nearsighted?
Nearsighted, also called myopia, means you can see things clearly up close, but objects in the distance appear blurry. It’s one of the most common vision conditions worldwide, affecting people of all ages – but particularly children and teenagers as their eyes grow.
This happens when the eyeball is slightly longer than normal, or the cornea (the front surface of the eye) is too curved. As a result, light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
Common signs of myopia:
- Difficulty seeing distant objects (e.g. whiteboards, road signs, tv screens)
- Squinting to see clearly
- Headaches or eye strain, especially after driving or watching movies
- Holding screens or books very close to your face
What does it mean to be Farsighted?
Farsighted, also called hyperopia, is the opposite. You can see things clearly at a distance, but near vision becomes blurry. It occurs when the eyeball is too short, or the cornea is too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina.
Farsightedness is also common, though often less noticeable in younger people because their eyes can compensate by focusing harder. However, over time this effort can cause fatigue or blurred vision – especially with close-up tasks.
Common signs of hyperopia:
- Eye strain or burning after reading or computer work
- Blurry vision when looking at things up close
- Headaches, especially after concentrating for long periods
- Difficulty focusing on near objects, such as labels, phone screens, or menus
How do you know which one you have?
The best way to know if you’re nearsighted or farsighted is with a comprehensive eye test. At Adelaide City Optometrist, our optometrists use advanced technology to assess your vision, determine your prescription, and check the overall health of your eyes.
Before you come in for your test, you can do this quiz to determine what you might be:
Am I Nearsighted or Farsighted? Quiz
You might already suspect you need glasses, but understanding what kind of glasses you need (distance or reading) is the key to clear and comfortable vision.
What about age-related changes?
It’s important to note that even if you’ve never had vision problems before, your eyesight can change with age. Around the age of 40, many people start to notice that even if you’ve never had vision problems before, your eyesight can change with age. Around the age of 40, many people start to notice difficulty focusing on near objects. This is called presbyopia, and it’s different from farsightedness – but it can feel similar.
Presbyopia is a natural part of ageing where the lens in the eye becomes less flexible, making it harder to focus on close-up tasks like reading, sewing, or using your phone.
At Adelaide City Optometrist, we offer a range of lens solutions – from progressive lenses to stylish reading glasses and customised multifocals – to help manage presbyopia without compromising on comfort or style.
What are your options?
Whether you’re nearsighted or farsighted, there are great options available to improve your vision, including:
- Prescription glasses: Choose from a wide range of designer and in-house frames (including our locally designed Pascali Eyewear) to suit your style and prescription.
- Contact lenses: Perfect for an active lifestyle or if you prefer a glasses-free look.
- Vision therapy or myopia control: Especially important for children with progressive myopia.
- Laser eye surgery: For those who want a more permanent solution, we can refer you to trusted ophthalmologists.
Book your eye test today
Whether you are nearsighted or farsighted – if you’ve noticed changes in your vision – or you’re just due for a check-up – it’s time to book an eye test. At Adelaide City Optometrist, we’re here to help you see clearly and comfortably, no matter your age or lifestyle.
Our experienced team will take the time to understand your needs, explain your prescription, and guide you toward the best solutions for your vision.