Two of the most frequent reasons for blurry sight are astigmatism and nearsightedness. While both of these conditions are refractive errors (much like farsightedness), they affect your vision in different ways.
The key difference is that nearsightedness makes distant objects blurry, while astigmatism creates distorted or blurry vision at all distances.
If you’re experiencing vision challenges, schedule a comprehensive eye exam and let your optometrist determine the root cause of your issues.
What Is Nearsightedness (Myopia)?
Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is a vision condition where you can see objects up close with clarity, but distant objects appear fuzzy or out of focus.
This happens when the shape of your eye causes light rays to bend—or refract—incorrectly. Oftentimes, this is because your eye is too long front-back.
Common Symptoms Of Nearsightedness
- Difficulty seeing distant objects, like road signs or a whiteboard in a classroom
- Squinting to see more clearly
- Headaches caused by eye strain
- Eye fatigue when driving or playing sports
What Causes Nearsightedness?
Nearsightedness often runs in families. It typically begins in childhood and can progress over time, which is why we offer myopia control for children to help manage the condition’s progression. Daily habits, such as doing a lot of close-up work on digital devices, may also play a role.
What Is Astigmatism?
Astigmatism is another type of refractive error that causes blurry vision. It can make things look distorted or fuzzy at all distances—both near and far. Astigmatism happens when your cornea or lens has an irregular, football-like shape instead of being perfectly round.
How Astigmatism Affects Your Vision
Because the surface of an eye with astigmatism isn’t completely round, it can’t focus light evenly onto the retina. This makes images appear stretched or blurry no matter how close or far away they are.
Common Symptoms of Astigmatism
- Blurry or distorted vision at all distances
- Eye strain or discomfort
- Headaches
- Trouble with night vision
- Squinting to try to focus
Key Differences Between Nearsightedness & Astigmatism
While both conditions cause blurry vision, they do so in different ways. The main difference comes down to the source of the blurriness and the physical shape of your eye. Understanding these differences helps clarify why your vision may be unclear.
Cause of Blurriness
Nearsightedness primarily makes distant objects look blurry. In contrast, astigmatism can make both near and far objects appear blurry or distorted.
Shape of the Eye
Nearsightedness is typically due to the eyeball being too long from front to back. Astigmatism is caused by an imperfect curve in your cornea or lens. Think of it as the difference between a basketball and a football.
Can You Have Both Nearsightedness & Astigmatism?
Yes, it’s common to have both conditions at the same time. Many people who are nearsighted also have some degree of astigmatism. A comprehensive eye exam is the only way to determine exactly what is affecting your vision and to what extent.
How We Diagnose Vision Problems
During an eye exam, we use different tools to measure how your eyes focus light. A visual acuity test—where you read letters on a chart—helps us check the sharpness of your vision. Other instruments, like those used for corneal topography, help us map the shape of your cornea to get a full picture of your eye health.
Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses
Both nearsightedness and astigmatism are commonly corrected with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. In the case of astigmatism, specialty contact lenses known as toric lenses may be needed.
What About Astigmatism in Children?
Astigmatism is common in children and can be present from birth. Young children may not realize that their vision is blurry, so regular children’s eye exams are important. Early detection helps support their learning and development in school and at play.
If you or a family member experiences blurry vision, headaches, or eye strain, it may be time to book an appointment. At See & Co, we take the time to give you clear answers about your vision. So book an appointment with us today and we can help you find the right solution for your unique eyes.
