What’s the Difference Between Myopia and Astigmatism?
Posted by: Invision Optometry in Category Astigmatism, Eye Health, Myopia Control
When it comes to vision problems, terms like myopia (near-sightedness) and astigmatism can be confusing. Are they the same thing? Do they both mean you need glasses? Let’s break down the difference between these two common eye conditions, so the next time you hear them, you’ll know exactly what they mean and how they affect your vision.
Myopia: The “Near-Sighted” Story
Have you noticed that reading your phone is easy, but distant objects—like street signs—are blurry? This is a classic sign of myopia, also known as near-sightedness. With myopia, objects close to you appear clear, but things far away become blurry. This happens because your eye shape causes light to focus in front of the retina, instead of directly on it.
Think of it like trying to take a photo where the background is out of focus. That’s what your eyes are doing when you have myopia.
What Causes Myopia?
Myopia can be genetic, but environmental factors play a role too. Spending a lot of time doing up-close tasks, like reading, using computers, or scrolling on your phone, can increase your risk of developing near-sightedness. This is especially true for children, who are experiencing higher rates of myopia than previous generations. If you’re searching for a solution, an eye exam with your optometrist can help determine if you or your child needs corrective lenses or treatments.
Astigmatism: The “Not-So-Round” Eye
Astigmatism is different from myopia. Instead of blurry vision only affecting distant objects, astigmatism can make everything appear slightly distorted, whether it’s near or far. This happens when the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) or the lens inside the eye isn’t perfectly round.
Imagine looking through a funhouse mirror—things are stretched or distorted. That’s how your eyes interpret light when you have astigmatism, which causes the light to scatter and hit the retina unevenly, leading to blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
What Causes Astigmatism?
Most people are born with some degree of astigmatism, but it can also develop later in life. Unlike myopia, astigmatism isn’t linked to specific behaviors like reading or screen time. It’s simply a result of the shape of your eyes, which may not be perfectly round.
Myopia vs. Astigmatism: What’s the Difference?
Both myopia and astigmatism are caused by irregularities in the shape of your eye, but they affect vision differently:
- Myopia (near-sightedness) makes distant objects blurry, while near vision remains clear.
- Astigmatism causes blurriness at all distances, whether you’re looking at something close or far away.
Many people have both conditions at the same time, which is why eye exams are so important. Your optometrist can detect if you need lenses to correct both issues.
How Are Myopia and Astigmatism Treated?
The good news is that both myopia and astigmatism are easily treatable. Here are some common treatment options:
- Glasses: Most people with these conditions wear prescription lenses designed to refocus light correctly onto the retina.
- Contact Lenses: Specialized contacts can also correct myopia and astigmatism, providing clear vision without glasses.
- LASIK: For those seeking a more permanent solution, LASIK surgery can reshape the cornea, correcting both myopia and astigmatism in one procedure.
If you’re experiencing blurry vision, whether it’s close-up or far away, it’s important to get an eye exam. Your optometrist can determine whether you have myopia, astigmatism, or both, and recommend the best treatment option for you.
Take Care of Your Vision with Invision Optometry
If you or your child are struggling with blurry vision, whether it’s due to myopia, astigmatism, or both, don’t worry! Our expert team at Invision Optometry in San Diego, is here to help. We’ll conduct a thorough eye exam, explain your diagnosis, and help you choose the best corrective lenses or treatments.
Contact us today at 619-222-2020 to schedule an appointment and start seeing clearly again!
FAQs About Myopia and Astigmatism
Q: Are myopia and astigmatism the same thing?
A: No, myopia affects distance vision (making faraway objects blurry), while astigmatism causes overall blurriness at all distances.
Q: Can I have both myopia and astigmatism?
A: Yes, it’s common for people to have both conditions. Your eye doctor can prescribe glasses or contact lenses that correct for both myopia and astigmatism.
Q: How do I know if I have myopia or astigmatism?
A: If you’re squinting to see far-away objects, you likely have myopia. If your vision is blurry or distorted at any distance, you might have astigmatism. The best way to know for sure is to schedule an eye exam with an optometrist.
Q: What causes myopia?
A: Myopia can be genetic, but spending long periods of time on up-close tasks (like reading or using screens) has been linked to increasing cases, especially in children.
Q: What causes astigmatism?
A: Astigmatism is typically caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. Most people are born with it, though it can develop or change over time.
