Hypermetropia and Presbyopia are both refractive errors that impact your ability to focus on nearby objects. Although the two share similar symptoms- blurred near vision, excessive strain on eyes, and headaches- these disorders differ significantly. Let’s dissect their causes, symptoms, potential treatments, and corrective measures.
What is Hypermetropia?
Hypermetropia is a visual defect where an individual can see distant objects clearly, but nearby objects often appear blurry or out of focus. This disorder is commonly known as farsightedness and can be present at birth (congenital hypermetropia) or develop at any age. According to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, 8.4% of children and 30.6% of the adult population are affected by hypermetropia. People with hypermetropia might struggle to read, write, sew, or perform tasks that require them to focus on close objects. As a result, a hyperopic person typically experiences visual fatigue and sharp headaches.
Hypermetropia Causes
- One of the primary causes for hypermetropia is decreased axial length, when the eyeball is short in length.
- Another cause for farsightedness is a relatively flat cornea. This causes the light entering the eye to focus at the back of the retina and not directly on it.
Hypermetropia Symptoms
- Blurry or unclear vision (especially when trying to focus on objects close to your face)
- Increased visual fatigue at night
- Difficulty in reading small text
- Double vision while reading
- Squinting while reading
- Eyes that look inward (eye deviation)
- Inflammation or redness in the eyes
- Headache
What is Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is an age-related refractive error. As you grow older, your eyes might gradually lose the ability to focus on objects up close. The onset age for this visual decline is 40-45 years. Presbyopia is extremely common and a part of the natural ageing process. According to a study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, approximately 1.8 billion people are presbyopic. People with presbyopia might experience progressive difficulty in focusing on text while reading and have to hold material at an arm’s length to focus.
Presbyopia Causes
- With age, the lens of your eye grows more rigid and is unable to focus light directly on the retina.
- When the muscles near the lens lose their flexibility, the lens subsequently loses its ability to adapt and change shape.
- A decrease in the proteins of the lens leads to decreased flexibility and the addition of layers on the lens surface. This makes it difficult to clearly view objects up close.
Presbyopia Symptoms
- Difficulty in reading from a normal reading distance
- Eye strain, leading to sore or tired eyes
- Need for increased light while reading
- Headaches from performing close-up tasks
| Basis of Difference | Hypermetropia | Presbyopia |
| Definition | Hypermetropia or farsightedness is a refractive error where an individual can see distant objects clearly, but nearby objects often appear blurry or out of focus. | Presbyopia is an age-related refractive error, where it becomes progressively difficult to focus on nearby objects with age. |
| Age of onset | Can be present at birth (congenital hypermetropia) or develop later in life. | Usually begins to affect people in their early to mid-40s. |
| Causes | Decreased axial length (short eyeballs) or relatively flat cornea. | Natural ageing. |
| Symptoms | Blurry vision when performing close-up tasks, double vision while reading, and inflammation/redness in the eyes. | Difficulty in focusing on nearby objects, eye strain, headaches, need for bright light to focus. |
Which lens is used for Hypermetropia & Presbyopia?
Hypermetropia and presbyopia are often treated with artificial lens implants. Two commonly used lenses for correcting refractive errors are ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) and multifocal artificial lenses. ICL preserves the natural lens of the eye. These are placed between the natural lens and the iris. A multifocal artificial lens, on the other hand, replaces the natural lens of the eye.
How can Hypermetropia & Presbyopia be corrected?
There are several corrective measures and treatments that can provide relief from refractive error symptoms. The most common form of treatment is prescription glasses or contact lenses. These help adjust how light rays hit the retina, ensuring that they focus directly on it. Additionally, many people opt for refractive correction procedures like Contoura Gold, Femto LASIK & Epi LASIK, and Streamlight PRK for hypermetropia. Presbyopic individuals can opt for LASIK and RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange). These procedures offer permanent solutions by reshaping the cornea and correcting the refractive errors.
It is advised to consult Sohana Hospital’s vast panel of eye specialists, so you can make an informed decision and pick the option that fits your requirements the best. Our team of skilled ophthalmologists and eye care experts will guide you in your journey towards clearer vision by evaluating your unique condition, lifestyle, requirements, and preferences.
FAQs
What is the primary difference between hypermetropia and presbyopia?
While the two refractive errors might have similar symptoms, they differ in terms of causes and age of onset. Hypermetropia can be present at birth or develop at any age. It is caused by a decreased axial length or a flat cornea. In comparison, presbyopia is an age-related refractive error which only occurs after the age of 40. The primary cause for presbyopia is ageing, which leads to a rigid lens, weakened eye muscles, and loss of lens proteins.
When to contact a doctor for refractive errors?
You are advised to consult an eye specialist in Chandigarh if blurry or unclear vision starts to affect your daily tasks. Any condition which causes significant distress and stops you from efficiently carrying out household chores or tasks requires professional intervention. This ensures you will get the suitable treatment ASAP.
Is there any way to prevent hypermetropia or presbyopia?
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent hypermetropia or presbyopia. Most individuals with hypermetropia are born with it or are susceptible to developing it later in life if it runs in the family. Meanwhile, presbyopia is a part of ageing and happens to almost everyone – to some extent, after the age of 40.
Can hypermetropia and presbyopia occur at the same time?
Yes, hypermetropia and presbyopia can affect an individual’s vision at the same time. This is more common in the older population. Corrective measures like bifocals, multifocals, and contact lenses can be used to relieve eye strain and fatigue.
Is hypermetropia more common than presbyopia?
Presbyopia is extremely common and affects almost everyone, to some extent, as they grow older. Hypermetropia, on the other hand, is relatively less common and only occurs in cases of genetic predisposition or physical defects.
