Refractive errors affect people’s eyesight. Common ones are hypermetropia (long-sightedness) and myopia (short-sightedness). But what makes these conditions different from each other? Many of our patients ask this question. We will do our best to answer it in today’s post.
A very common visual impairment experienced by people worldwide is short-sightedness. There are speculations that half of the global population will have myopia come 2050. When this may happen, about 5 billion people will be affected.
While long-sightedness may be present in a smaller population, it is a major visual issue that needs to be treated so that one sees clearly.
Both myopia and hypermetropia can lower one’s quality of life because whatever affects vision also affects the overall well-being of a person. This is why these conditions require treatment. But before considering treatment options, it is important to look closely at what long-sightedness and short-sightedness are.
What is long-sightedness (hypermetropia)?
This refractive error is what you call hypermetropia. For those with this condition, it is easier to see things in the distance than things not so far away. The focusing power of eye lens is disoriented and you can see nearby things with more focusing power . Consequently, you will require power plus lens.
Muscles in the eye are stronger and can focus while we are still young. But they start to weaken and decline in capacity as we grow older. People find it difficult to read with their natural eyes in their mid-40s. They may need reading glasses to read newspapers and books, or focus on mobile devices like phones, tablets and laptops. The good news is that long-sightedness can be corrected, and those affected can receive help.
What is short-sightedness (myopia)?
Here, the eyes are able to see things that are within hair follicle- to arm’s length distance seamlessly. Medically, this condition is what you call myopia. The focusing power of eyes strengthen and you can see nearby objects. But some assistance help to see far away objects.
For this reason, a negatively powered lens make myopic patients see clearly distant objects. Now, the eyes’ focusing power is low for you to have better long-distance vision.
How to treat long-sightedness and short-sightedness
It is possible to correct these two conditions with contact lenses or eye glasses. What if you choose not to use these visual aids? If you have zero tolerance for them, orlike to stay off the risks that lenses bring, is there any other treatment option?
Yes, you can undergo surgery to have your vision restored. However, another important note is that some patients may prefer to have reading glasses. At the same time, others may choose contact lenses for varying reasons. Contacts are fixed, and you may not take them on and off like glasses, while the latter doesn’t have to be fixed. You only use them when you need to, especially during the day, and can take them off at bedtime.
If none of these appeals to you in any way, there are several surgical procedures for correcting myopia and hypermetropia. We will go over them briefly so you can know better what we are talking about.
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Laser eye surgery:
If you are close to people with visual impairment or have had an eye problem in recent times, you must have heard of the treatment known as laser eye surgery. This procedure provides the option of a laser to reshape your cornea. Globally, laser eye surgery help people to see better. The eye surgeon performs under different techniques: LASIK, LASEK, and many others. These prevalent methods are functional, safe and precise. If you prefer more information on laser eye surgery, feel free to schedule a consultation.
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Refractive lens exchange (RLE):
Another fantastic treatment option for myopia and hypermetropia is the RLE. Here, the dysfunctional natural lens is removed and replaced with a multifocal lens. This allows for both near sight and far sight vision. People who are above 50 years undergo this treatment. This procedure resembles the surgery done to remove a cataract from the eyes. For patients that don’t have the option of laser eye surgery, this option can come in handy.
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Implantable collamer (contact) lens:
This option becomes more suitable for patients who have a high-level prescription, are below the age of 50, and cannot have laser surgery to correct their myopia or hypermetropia.
We provide any of these treatments you may qualify. The doctor checks your eye condition to know the issue before prescribing a treatment. The above are all verified safe techniques. The methods are functional and highly accurate because the technology applied in the procedures is much more advanced than it used to be.
We, at Optimal Vision, provide the best eye care services. Thanks to our very knowledgeable, smart staff members who enusre your treatment gets good attention. Our specialist eye doctors possess years f experience in different eye treatment procedures, and their bedside manner is excellent! Our diagnostic eye tests and clinic equipment are among the latest in eye-care. Overall, we maintain a patient-centered clinic culture, which is why you should visit laser eye surgery clinic for long and short-sightedness treatment in London. Our doctor will be glad to have you in an appointment to see how we can be of help. Feel free to express your concerns and ask us any questions when you come. Remember, we are Optimal Vision.
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