Presbyopia vs. hyperopia: What’s the difference?
Presbyopia is an age-related change that makes it difficult to see things up close, while hyperopia (farsightedness) is typically a lifelong condition caused by the shape of your eyeball, cornea, or lens. While both conditions can make nearby objects look blurry, their causes and the ways you treat them are different.
Key takeaways
- Presbyopia happens when the lens in your eye gets less flexible with age, making it hard to see things up close
- Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, is caused by a shorter eyeball than normal, or flatter cornea or lens, which can make close-up objects look blurry
- They are two separate conditions with different causes, and you can indeed have them both at the same time
- Treatments are different for each—presbyopia may require a new prescription on top of any other prescriptions you may have
What are the key differences between presbyopia and hyperopia?
Presbyopia is caused by an age-related loss of lens flexibility, whereas hyperopia is caused by the physical shape of the eye. While they share a main symptom—challenges with seeing up close—they require different approaches for management.
Presbyopia
| Hyperopia | |
|---|---|---|
Age of onset
| Typically around 40
| Typically in childhood
|
Cause | Natural lens of eye becoming more stiff
| Eyeball that grows too short, or cornea or lens that’s too flat
|
Risk factors
| Age | Genetics, environmental factors
|
Symptoms | Difficult to see things near your face clearly, especially in low light
| Difficult to see things up close clearly (and faraway objects, if severe enough)
|
Possible treatment
| Reading glasses, multifocal contact lenses
| Spherical contact lenses
|
What is presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a natural part of aging that makes it harder for your eyes to focus on nearby objects. It happens to almost everyone, and it typically starts becoming noticeable around age 40, though you may notice it earlier or later in life.
Why does presbyopia happen?
Inside your eye, you have a clear, flexible lens that changes shape to help you focus on things near and far. As you get older, that lens becomes less flexible. This loss of flexibility makes it hard for your eye to focus on close objects, especially in dim light conditions. A telltale sign is when you find yourself holding your phone at arm's length just to read a text message. If you relate to this, don’t worry—presbyopia is completely normal, and your eye doctor can help you find a solution that works for you.
What is hyperopia (farsightedness)?
Hyperopia, commonly known as farsightedness, is a vision condition where you can see distant objects more clearly than close ones. Unlike presbyopia, hyperopia often develops as a child’s eye grows and is typically present from a young age. It’s important to note that hyperopia may not be noticeable until later in life when your eyes become less able to compensate—this is known as latent hyperopia.
Why does hyperopia happen?
You get hyperopia when your eye grows too short or develops a cornea or lens that’s too flat. Because of this shape, your eye struggles to focus light properly when you view nearby objects. Common symptoms of hyperopia include blurry near vision, eye strain, fatigue, and headaches after reading.
Can you have presbyopia and hyperopia at the same time?
Yes, you can have both presbyopia and hyperopia at the same time. Since they have entirely different causes, the two conditions can easily coexist.
Since presbyopia is age-related, this crossover usually does not become an issue until later in life. If you already wear vision correction for hyperopia, you might notice new symptoms—like increased difficulty reading small print or needing brighter light to see—as presbyopia sets in. If your current hyperopia prescription is no longer giving you the seamless vision you need, it’s time to talk to your eye doctor.
Try the latest in ACUVUE contact lens technology
Get started with ACUVUE contact lenses
Try ACUVUE for free*
Provide some basic information and get a certificate for a free* trial pair
Find an eye doctor
Use our locator tool to find a doctor who can fit you with ACUVUE contact lenses
Earn rewards‖
Become a MyACUVUE® member and get access to exclusive offers
Frequently asked questions
For presbyopia, the leading edge of vision correction includes multifocal contact lenses and new pharmacological eye drops. For hyperopia, the “latest trend” is to provide lenses designed to help with digitally intense lifestyles. The ACUVUE OASYS MAX 1-Day family does this with its unprecedented combination of innovative technologies.
Multifocal contact lenses have multiple prescription powers built into a single design to help provide clear distance, near, and in-between vision. They are typically prescribed for people with presbyopia, helping you to read with less dependence on reading glasses.
If your blurry near vision started in childhood or early adulthood, it is likely hyperopia. If you never had issues seeing up close until you reached your early forties, it's probably presbyopia. A comprehensive eye exam is the only way to know for sure.
Yes, your contact lens prescription parameters are different from your eyeglasses prescription because they include specific measurements like base curve and diameter. These specifications ensure the lens fits your eye safely and comfortably.
To get contact lenses, you need to schedule a fitting with an eye doctor. They will determine your exact prescription and the specific shape of your eye to ensure a perfect fit.
Related Content
Contact lens options for presbyopia
Presbyopia—causes, symptoms, treatments
Footnotes
The information provided on this page and across the entire Acuvue.com experience is designed to offer educational insights into eye health, referencing expert advice from reputable medical and government organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Optometric Association and the National Eye Institute. While we research, report, and review the content on Acuvue.com and its extended social media to deliver accurate and up-to-date vision, vision care, and vision correction information, we do not make any assurances, and content accessed on or through Acuvue.com and its extended social media is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any eye conditions or health issues. This brings us to our #1 eye health tip: Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance and care.
†Filtering of HEV light by contact lenses has not been demonstrated to confer any health benefit to the user, including but not limited to retinal protection, protection from cataract progression, reduced eye strain, improved contrast, improved acuity, reduced glare, improved low light vision, or improved circadian rhythm/sleep cycle. The Eye Care Professional should be consulted for more information.
*Free trial contact lenses available only from participating eye care professionals. Exam and fitting fees not included.
‖Reward amount dependent on ACUVUE® product and quantity purchased and if you are a new wearer. Must get an eye exam and purchase from participating provider. Original receipt required. Valid thru 12/31/26.
Rewards paid in the form of an ACUVUE® Prepaid Mastercard®. Use your card everywhere Mastercard is accepted in the U.S. issued by The Bancorp Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Your use of the prepaid card is governed by the Cardholder Agreement, and some fees may apply. This is not a gift card. Please note that prepaid cards are subject to expiration, so pay close attention to the expiration date of the card.
