Common vision issues: What to know

Though it's the main symptom of contact lens wearers, not all blurry vision is created equal. There are four main types of vision issues that can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, which you can explore below.

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Myopia/Nearsightedness

What is myopia, or nearsightedness?

Myopia, often called nearsightedness, is a chronic progressive disease where the eye grows longer than it should, causing blurry distance vision.

Causes
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Causes of nearsightedness

While the terms nearsightedness and myopia are often used interchangeably, we now know that nearsightedness is a symptom of myopia, which is a chronic, progressive disease. Risk factors for developing myopia may include spending less time outdoors and more time doing near work (reading, screen time), and genetics.
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Is your child struggling to see?

The number of people with nearsightedness, or myopia, has nearly doubled over the past 20 years. It’s estimated that about one in three children in the US are affected by myopia. That’s why we’ve created myopia management treatments for kids that can help.

Hyperopia/Farsightedness

What is hyperopia, or farsightedness?

Farsightedness, or hyperopia, is where you can see objects clearly at a distance but find it hard to focus on things close up.

Causes
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Causes of farsightedness

When the eye is too short from front to back, or the cornea’s curve is not powerful enough for the eye, light focuses behind the retina instead of on it, making nearby objects blurry.

ACUVUE® products made for nearsightedness and farsightedness

Box of ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day contact lenses

ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-Day

ACUVUE OASYS 1-Day contact lenses with HydraLuxe 30-Pack

ACUVUE® OASYS 1-DAY with HydraLuxe® Technology

12 pack

ACUVUE® OASYS with HYDRACLEAR® PLUS Technology

Astigmatism

What is astigmatism?

Astigmatism is blurred or distorted vision at all distances caused by an imperfection in the eye's curvature.

Causes
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Causes of astigmatism

Your eye works best when its surface is round like a basketball, but with astigmatism, it's shaped more like a football. This shape makes it more difficult to focus the light coming in to your eye.
Presbyopia

What is presbyopia?

Presbyopia is difficulty seeing up close that begins to affect everyone around the age of 40.

Causes
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Causes of presbyopia

As you age, the lens inside your eyes lose flexibility making it harder for the eye to focus on objects up close.
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Can contact lenses cause double vision?

It's not common, but it's possible that contact lenses can contribute to the causes of double vision. If you suffer from double vision while wearing contact lenses, you should see an eye doctor, as this could be a sign of something more serious.

What does 20/20 vision mean?

It means that you have "normal" vision. People with normal eyesight are able to view an item of a certain size from 20 feet away with clarity and sharpness. If you can do the same, you probably have 20/20 vision. Even so, having 20/20 vision does not mean you have flawless eyesight—it simply gauges the quality of your sight against the standard for other people.

What does -7.00 vision look like?

Vision of -7.00 indicates a high level of myopia. With -7.00 vision, the world can look like a blur even at the slightest distance, while objects very close to the eye may appear clear. People with severe myopia are at a higher risk of developing serious eye problems in the future, so regular checkups and prescription glasses or contacts are recommended.

Why does my eye feel strained?

Similar to any part of the body, your eyes need rest. Eye strain is a symptom of overuse of the eyes, for instance, when driving long distances or sitting in front of a computer screen for several hours. In addition to general soreness, eye strain can cause eyes to water, burn, or feel dry. Vision may also be blurred and the eyes may be sensitive to light. If you're experiencing eye strain that is severe, persistent, or recurring, reach out to your eye doctor. If you think our eye strain is related to your ACUVUE® contact lenses, please report it to us.

Can everyone wear a -0.0 power contact lens?

No, not everyone can wear a -0.0 power contact lens. -0.0 power lenses may sometimes be worn by people who don't need vision correction, but all contact lenses need to be prescribed by an eye doctor. Be sure to consult an eye doctor to make sure your contacts are fitted properly and have the proper prescription for your needs.

What is depth perception?

Depth perception is one of the factors in measuring eyesight. Rather than how far a person can see, depth is about the way we perceive the location of one object compared to another. One way you're able to perceive depth perception is through the use of both of your eyes, also known as binocular vision. That said, even those with one eye are able to perceive depth through other visual cues.

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Footnotes

Consult your eye care professional for more information.  Johnson & Johnson does not provide medical advice; this information is for educational purposes only.

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Important Information for Contact Lens Wearers: ACUVUE Contact Lenses are available by prescription only for vision correction. An eye care professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and replacement schedule and the lens care instructions provided by your eye doctor. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. If one of these conditions occurs, remove the lens and contact your eye doctor immediately. For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your eye care professional, call 1-800-843-2020, or download the Patient Instruction Guides.

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