Nearsightedness and Farsightedness

If you struggle to see clearly you may be nearsighted or farsighted, which is a common vision issue that can easily be corrected in Las Vegas. At Kopolow & Girisgen Doctors of Optometry in Las Vegas, we provide complete vision testing including an eye exam, as well as vision correction services. These include contact lens exams and fittings, along with eyeglass frames and prescription lenses. Learn how we treat farsightedness and nearsightedness using these eye care methods. 

nearsightedness vs farsightedness in las vegas

Causes of Nearsightedness and Farsightedness

Nearsightedness is also known as myopia, while farsightedness is referred to as hyperopia. The cause of these common vision problems is the length of the eyeball. For nearsightedness, this can also be caused by a curvature of the cornea. In many individuals, nearsightedness is caused by a combination of eyeball length and curvature of the cornea. 

There is no reason why a person would have this condition. However, if your parents or family members suffer from abnormal eyeball length, then you have an increased risk of having nearsightedness or farsightedness. 

Who is Typically Affected by Nearsightedness and Farsightedness

As your Las Vegas optometrists, we treat all types of cases of nearsightedness and farsightedness. This includes children whom we diagnose using pediatric eye exams. In fact, many infants are born with farsightedness, and most outgrow this condition as their eyeballs develop with age. For nearsightedness, this is typically diagnosed in children, which is why it is so important to get your child in for a back to school eye exam. 

Symptoms of Nearsightedness and Farsightedness

If the eyeball is too short, it causes light rays to focus behind the retina, which makes it difficult to distinguish or see objects that are close up. This is farsightedness. If the eyeball is too long, as in the case of nearsightedness, light refracts in front of the retina. As a result, you can have difficulties seeing objects in the distance. 

How Our Optometrists Treat Nearsightedness and Farsightedness

To begin treatment requires getting a professional diagnosis of nearsightedness or farsightedness from an optometrist. This is conducted via a comprehensive eye exam. Following a vision and eye examination, we can determine if you have these types of vision correction issues. 

From there we will work with you to develop a treatment plan. This typically includes eyeglasses or contact lenses in a prescription that will correct the vision loss. You are able to see clearly, and the prescription lenses are designed to train your eyes to function correctly.

For nearsightedness caused by a curved cornea, we can also use Ortho-K also known as overnight contact lenses to correct the cornea shape without eyeglasses or daily wear contacts. This is ideal for young children, athletes, or adults with jobs that limit the ability to wear contact lenses or prescription glasses.

Contact Our Eye Doctor near Las Vegas

At Kopolow & Girisgen Doctors of Optometry in Las Vegas, we are your eye doctor near Las Vegas. We offer complete eye care and vision correction solutions including pediatric eye exams and contact lens fittings. Call our office at 702-452-2020 to schedule an eye exam or to get an updated prescription for vision correction at Kopolow & Girisgen Doctors of Optometry.