Difference between Hyperopia and Presbyopia


Hyperopia and presbyopia are two common refractive errors that can affect our eyesight. Both conditions can result in difficulty focusing on objects, but they have different causes and treatments. In this essay, we will discuss the difference between hyperopia and presbyopia.

What is Hyperopia?

Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, is a refractive error that occurs when the eye is too short, or the cornea is too flat. This causes light to focus behind the retina, instead of directly on it, resulting in blurry vision when looking at nearby objects. Hyperopia can be genetic, meaning that it can be inherited from parents, or it can develop as a result of aging.

What is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia is an age-related condition that affects the eye's ability to focus on nearby objects. It occurs when the lens of the eye loses its flexibility, making it harder to focus on objects that are close to the eye. Presbyopia is a natural part of aging and typically starts to develop in people over the age of 40. It affects everyone, regardless of whether they have had previous vision problems or not.

Differences: Hyperopia and Presbyopia

Hyperopia and presbyopia differ in terms of their symptoms. Hyperopia can cause blurry vision when looking at objects that are close, but distant objects may appear clear. People with hyperopia may also experience eye strain, headaches, and fatigue, especially after reading or doing close-up work for extended periods. Presbyopia, on the other hand, causes difficulty seeing objects up close, particularly in low light conditions. People with presbyopia may find themselves holding reading materials farther away from their face or squinting to try and see small print.

Treatment options for hyperopia and presbyopia also differ. Hyperopia can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery, such as LASIK or PRK. Glasses or contact lenses help to bend the light that enters the eye, allowing it to focus correctly on the retina. Refractive surgery reshapes the cornea to improve the eye's focusing ability. Presbyopia can be corrected with reading glasses, bifocals, or progressive lenses. These lenses have a different prescription in the lower part of the lens, which helps to correct the focusing ability of the eye.

The following table highlights the major differences between Hyperopia and Presbyopia −

Characteristics

Hyperopia

Presbyopia

Consequence of ageing

Hyperopia is not a consequence of aging.

Presbyopia is a consequence of ageing.

Occurs first

Presbyopia usually occurs first from age 40 on.

This is not the case for hyperopia

Occurrence

Hyperopia often occurs from childhood or birth.

This is not the case with presbyopia.

Conclusion

In summary, hyperopia and presbyopia are two different refractive errors that can affect our eyesight. Hyperopia occurs when the eye is too short or the cornea is too flat, while presbyopia is an age-related condition that affects the lens's flexibility.

Symptoms of hyperopia include blurry vision when looking at nearby objects, while presbyopia causes difficulty seeing objects up close, particularly in low light conditions. Treatment options for hyperopia include glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery, while presbyopia can be corrected with reading glasses, bifocals, or progressive lenses.

If you experience any vision problems, it is important to consult an eye doctor for an examination and proper diagnosis.

Updated on: 03-Aug-2023

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