Most people think of nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia) as opposite vision problems—one affects how you see things far away, the other affects how you see things up close. So, it might seem impossible to experience both at the same time– but in reality, it’s entirely possible.
Whether it’s due to differences between your eyes, the natural aging process, or a combination of conditions like astigmatism, many people end up needing correction for both distance and near vision. Understanding how and why this happens can help you make sense of your symptoms and take the right steps towards clearer, more comfortable vision.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the nuances, it can help to clarify what each condition means.
What Is Myopia?
Nearsightedness (myopia) is a common condition where distant objects appear blurry, but close-up objects remain clear. Myopia usually results from the eye being slightly too long or the cornea having too much curvature. This causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
What Is Hyperopia?
Farsightedness (hyperopia), on the other hand, makes nearby objects appear blurry, especially when the eyes are tired. In this case, the eyeball may be too short, or the cornea may be too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina.
When Opposites Coexist
There are a few ways someone can be both nearsighted and farsighted.
In Different Eyes (Anisometropia)
In some people, one eye may be nearsighted while the other is farsighted. This condition, known as anisometropia, can lead to visual discomfort or even double vision if not properly corrected. The brain may struggle to merge two conflicting images into one coherent picture, which can cause eye strain, headaches, or difficulties with depth perception.
This condition often goes undetected without a thorough eye exam and may be more noticeable in children, where early intervention is key to preventing long-term vision issues.
Age-Related “Farsightedness” (Presbyopia) with Myopia
One of the most common ways people experience both types of vision problems is through a combination of myopia and presbyopia.
Presbyopia is a natural part of aging, typically beginning around age 40. It’s not true farsightedness, as it actually has a different cause, but it does have similar symptoms: namely, difficulty seeing up close. Presbyopia happens because the eye’s lens becomes less flexible, making it harder to focus on near objects.
If you’re nearsighted and wear glasses to correct your distance vision, you might find that reading becomes more difficult as you age, even with your glasses on. That’s because your distance correction doesn’t account for your eye’s reduced focusing ability up close. Many people in this situation end up needing reading glasses or bifocals to help with near tasks.
In essence, your eyes may still be naturally nearsighted, but the effects of presbyopia mimic farsightedness, creating a dual challenge.
Astigmatism
To add another layer of complexity, astigmatism can exist alongside either myopia or hyperopia. Astigmatism is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens that scatters light instead of focusing it to a single point. This leads to blurry or distorted vision at all distances.
Someone with myopia and astigmatism, for example, may struggle with both distance and intermediate vision. Throw in presbyopia, and you’re dealing with a complex vision profile that requires customised solutions.
What This Means for Your Vision Care
Understanding that it’s possible to be both nearsighted and farsighted is more than just a curiosity—it’s essential for choosing the right vision correction. Today’s solutions go far beyond basic glasses. Here are a few ways modern optometry can help:
- Multifocal or bifocal lenses: These lenses contain multiple prescriptions in one lens to correct both distance and near vision.
- Progressive lenses: A more modern version of bifocals, progressives offer a gradual shift between prescriptions, without visible lines.
- Monovision contacts: One eye is corrected for distance, the other for near vision. This works well for some patients, but may require an adjustment period.
- Custom contact lenses: Specialty lenses can address complex prescriptions involving astigmatism, myopia, hyperopia, and presbyopia.
More than ever, vision correction is personalised. A thorough eye exam can help determine the best combination of treatments for your specific needs.
Don’t Ignore the Signs
If you’re experiencing blurry vision at both near and far distances, eye strain, headaches, or trouble adjusting focus between different tasks (like reading and driving), it’s time to schedule an eye exam. Vision problems don’t always fit into neat categories, and your eyes deserve a solution tailored to your life.
At Advance Eye Care Center, we take the time to understand your unique visual needs. Whether you’re dealing with multiple vision challenges or just need your first pair of glasses, our team is here to help you see your world clearly, now and in the future.
