Difference between long-sightedness (hypermetropia) and short-sightedness (myopia)

The difference between long and short-sighted is a frequently asked question.

Short-sightedness is by far the most common vision problem in the world. It is thought that by 2050, half the World’s population will be short-sighted and if that turns out to be true, we’re looking at around 5 billion people!

Long-sightedness is a smaller problem in terms of the number of people affected but both affect significantly vision.

Treatment Options for Long-Sightedness and Short-Sightedness

In terms of treatment, both long-sightedness and short-sightedness can be treated with glasses or contact lenses. If you can’t tolerate or prefer not to wear glasses or contact lenses or don’t want to take the risks associated with lenses, then there are some surgical solutions available:

• Laser Eye Surgery – This is the most common elective procedure in the World for
  vision correction. The techniques used nowadays are highly effective, extremely
  accurate and ultra-safe. Find out more about laser eye surgery here
• Refractive Lens Exchange – This is typically performed if you are over 50 years of age
  and involves replacing the natural lens with a replacement lens – usually a multifocal
  lens to allow for good vision for distance as well as for near. This technique is similar
  to cataract surgery and is used if laser eye surgery is not an option
• Implantable Collamer (contact) Lens – This procedure is used for individuals with
  very high prescriptions in the under 50 age group where laser surgery is not an
  option

Thankfully, all the techniques on offer are safe, effective and more accurate than ever given the technological advancements in the last few years.

At OCL Vision, we pride ourselves on offering the very best to our patients both in terms of our exemplary staff as well as the equipment and diagnostics that we use. We look forward to seeing you at the clinic soon.