Myopia vs. hyperopia: What's the difference?

Q: Can a person have both myopia and hyperopia?

Since these different vision issues are caused by different eyeball shapes, they can’t occur simultaneously in the same eye, but it is possible to have myopia in one eye and hyperopia in the other.

Q: Which is worse, myopia or hyperopia?

It’s entirely case by case, since it depends on the severity of each condition. High levels of hyperopia can cause more visual challenges than low levels of myopia, and vice versa. Additionally, high levels of myopia can increase the risk of other eye health issues, like retinal detachment and certain type of macular degeneration, while certain types of hyperopia can lead to amblyopia (“lazy eye”).

Q: Is astigmatism the same as myopia?

Astigmatism is not the same as myopia. Myopia is caused by an elongated eye, while astigmatism is when your eye is not spherical, but instead shaped more like a football. Also, astigmatism causes blurry vision at all distances while myopia causes just blurry distance vision. That said, it’s common to have both at the same time.

Q: What is presbyopia vs. hyperopia vs. myopia?

Presbyopia is an age-related vision issue that makes it difficult to see things up close clearly. This usually starts to happen to everyone around age 40. Hyperopia and myopia are caused by differently shaped eyes, and is typically present at birth.

Q: Can LASIK fix myopia?

LASIK may safely correct refractive error in adults and potentially eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses,1 however it does not cure myopia. Myopia candidates who undergo LASIK may still be at risk of sight-threatening complications later in life due to the lengthening of the eye that occurred before LASIK. LASIK does not prevent myopia progression, and usually LASIK can only be performed after a myopia candidate has slowed or stopped progression in their prescription. LASIK candidates need to be assessed by an eye care practitioner and the eye prescription and ocular health needs to fit certain parameters for this procedure to correct vision successfully. LASIK is not federally approved for use in children/anybody under the age of 18, and some higher prescriptions may not be candidates for LASIK.2 For more information on LASIK, please see https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik

Published on October 30, 2024

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4 minute read time

What is Myopia?

Myopia is more than just nearsightedness

Farsightedness, or difficulty seeing clearly up close

Myopia vs Hyperopia

Compare and contrast the two vision issues

Key things to know about myopia and hyperopia

Symptoms

Different conditions, overlapping symptoms

Treatments

Correcting these common vision issues

What to Expect During a Contact Lens Exam

Managing childhood myopia

Find an Eye Doctor

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Can a person have both myopia and hyperopia?

Which is worse, myopia or hyperopia?

Is astigmatism the same as myopia?

What is presbyopia vs. hyperopia vs. myopia?

Can LASIK fix myopia?

Myopia vs. hyperopia: What's the difference?

Myopia is more than just nearsightedness

Farsightedness, or difficulty seeing clearly up close

Compare and contrast the two vision issues

Key things to know about myopia and hyperopia

Different conditions, overlapping symptoms

Correcting these common vision issues

Managing childhood myopia

Frequently asked questions

Related Content

Myopia—causes, symptoms, treatments

Screen time: Its effect on vision and myopia

Understanding high myopia

Myopia vs. Astigmatism: What’s the difference?

Footnotes