What Are Nearsightedness & Farsightedness?

Are you having a hard time reading your computer screen? Do street signs and addresses look blurry? It could be nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). These conditions are normal and not as bad as you think!

With nearsightedness, it’s tough to focus on anything far away while playing sports, in the classroom…or even trying to recognize people. Yet, anything up close is clear and distinct.

Farsightedness, on the other hand, is when you can see things clearly in the distance. But, when it comes to reading words or working up-close on your computer, your vision is blurry.

Both conditions are common and can be fixed easily with glasses, contacts, or both.

What Causes Myopia or Nearsightedness?

Nearsightedness occurs when light is directed to the front of the retina instead of on it. This makes your vision blurry when you try to focus on faraway objects. It can happen at any age.

Nearsightedness or Myopia Symptoms & Issues

If you are nearsighted, your up-close vision seems fine, and you can focus on anything in front of you. But objects as close as a few feet away can seem fuzzy.

What Causes Hyperopia or Farsightedness?

With farsightedness, light entering the eye is focused behind the retina. This can cause blurry vision up close. Many people are born farsighted, and some can "outgrow" it as their eyes change over time.

Farsightedness or Hyperopia Symptoms & Issues

Reading, writing and other close-up tasks that need precision can make your day-to-day activities difficult. Some people have problems seeing at all distances.

You may not notice your vision changing right away. But if you ignore it, both nearsightedness and farsightedness are known to cause the following symptoms:

  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Eye strain
  • Squinting

Myopia and Hyperopia Correction & Solutions

ACUVUE® has a contact lens for you! Our contact lenses are designed to make your vision crisp and clear.

To correct nearsightedness, ACUVUE® offers a concave lens, which is thinner at the center than at the edges. It helps you to see distant objects more clearly and hopefully you’ll recognize your friend walking toward you. ACUVUE® lenses for farsightedness are convex — thicker at the center and thinner at the edges. These help with small print, so you can view those updated posts in real-time.

With nearsightedness or farsightedness, you may feel like you have to change your lifestyle, but with ACUVUE® EYE-INSPIRED™ Design, you’ll experience better vision, and have the freedom and flexibility to live life on your terms.

Most vision conditions can be corrected with eyeglasses or ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses, including:

Get started with Contacts

Get started with free* contact lenses for astigmatism!

Find a nearby doctor who can fit you with ACUVUE® Contact Lenses for ASTIGMATISM.

*Free trial lenses available from participating eye doctors. Exam and fitting fees not included. Subject to retailer.