---
title: Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism
description: Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, occurs when light rays focus in front of retina instead of on retina, and causes blurry distance vision.
---

[![Logo no 7 days Master Eye Associates-Transparency Better Size](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo%20no%207%20days%20Master%20Eye%20Associates-Transparency%20Better%20Size.png?width=4091&name=Logo%20no%207%20days%20Master%20Eye%20Associates-Transparency%20Better%20Size.png "Logo no 7 days Master Eye Associates-Transparency Better Size")](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/)

[Schedule Online](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/schedule-eye-exam?hsCtaTracking=cf08c13a-ba88-4194-8fc1-499d087dfa10%7C86eaa6da-1091-47eb-b8c0-e244e6e750d2)

Search

#### [Eye Anatomy  ](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/myopia-hyperopia-astigmatism#collapseOne)

- [ Eye Anatomy ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/eye-anatomy)

#### [ Eye Diseases ](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/myopia-hyperopia-astigmatism#collapseTwo)

- [ Amblyopia (Lazy Eye) ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/eye-diseases)
- [ Blepharitis ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/blepharitis)
- [ Cataracts ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/cataracts)
- [ Computer Vision Syndrome ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/computer-vision-syndrome)
- [ Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/pink-eye-conjunctivitis)
- [ Chlamydial Conjunctivitis ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/chlamydial-conjunctivitis)
- [ Corneal Arcus ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/corneal-arcus)
- [ Corneal Ulcer ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/corneal-ulcer)
- [ CME (Cystoid Macular Edema) ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/cystoid-macular-edema)
- [ Dematochalasis ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/dermatochalasis)
- [ Diabetes (& Diabetic Retinopathy ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/diabetes-and-diabetic-retinopathy)
- [ Drusen ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/retinal-drusen)
- [ Dry Eyes ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/dry-eye-disease)
- [ Epiretinal Membrane ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/epiretinal-membrane)
- [ Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC) ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/giant-papillary-conjunctivitis)
- [ Glaucoma ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/glaucoma)
- [ Subconjunctival Hemorrhage ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/subconjunctival-hemorrhage)
- [ Herpes Keratitis ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/herpes-keratitis)
- [ Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/herpes-zoster-ophthalmicus)
- [ Iritis / Anterior Uveitis  ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/iritis-anterior-uveitis)
- [ Keratoconus - Corneal Eye Disease  ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/keratoconus-corneal-eye-disease)
- [ Low Vision | Vision Impairment  ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/low-vision-impairment)
- [ Macular Corneal Dystrophy ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/macular-corneal-dystrophy)
- [ Macular Degeneration (AMD) ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/macular-degeneration)
- [ Macular Hole ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/macular-hole)
- [ Meibomian Gland Disease ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/meibomian-gland-disease)
- [ Myopia (Nearsighted), Hyperopia (Farsighted), Astigmatism ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/myopia-hyperopia-astigmatism)
- [ Pinguecula ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/pinguecula)
- [ Posterior Vitreous Detachment ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/vitreous-detachment)
- [ Presbyopia ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/presbyopia)
- [ Pterygium ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/pterygium)
- [ Retinal Detachment / Tear ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/retinal-detachment-retinal-tear)
- [ Scleritis ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/scleritis)
- [ Stye (Hordeolum) ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/styes)
- [ Vitreous Floaters / Detachment | Light Flashes ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/posterior-vitreous-detachment)
- [ Xanthelasma  ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/xanthelasma)

#### [ Eye Treatments/Tests ](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/myopia-hyperopia-astigmatism#collapseThree)

- [ Amblyopia Treatment ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/eye-treatments)
- [ Biepharitis Treatment ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/blepharitis-treatment)
- [ Cataract Treatment ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/cataract-treatments)
- [ Chlamydial Conjunctivitis Treatment ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/chlamydial-conjunctivitis-treatment)
- [ Corneal Ulcer Treatment ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/corneal-ulcer-treatment)
- [ Cystoid Macular Edema CME Treatment ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/cystoid-macular-edema-treatment)
- [ Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/diabetic-retinopathy-treatment)
- [ Drusen Treatment ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/drusen-treatment)
- [ Dry Eyes Treatment ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/dry-eye-treatment)
- [ Epiretinal Membrane Treatment ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/dpi-retinal-membrane-treatment)
- [ Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis GPC Treatment ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/giant-papillary-conjunctivitis-treatment)
- [Glaucoma Tests ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/glaucoma-tests)
- [ Glaucoma Treatments ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/glaucoma-treatments)
- [ Glaucoma SLT Laser Treatment ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/selective-laser-trabeculoplasty)
- [ Glaucoma Eye Surgery - Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/argon-laser-trabeculoplasty-glaucoma-eye-surgery)
- [ Glaucoma Medicines ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/glaucoma-medicines)
- [ Glaucoma Alternative Treatments ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/glaucoma-alternative-treatments)
- [ Glaucoma Canaloplasty Surgery ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/glaucoma-surgery-canaloplasty)
- [ Glaucoma iStent Surgery ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/glaucoma-surgery-istent)
- [ Glaucoma Trabectome Surgery ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/glaucoma-surgery-trabectome)
- [ Glaucoma Trabeculectomy Surgery ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/glaucoma-surgery-trabeculectomy)
- [ Glaucoma Tonometer Pressure Test ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/glaucoma-tonometer-pressure-test)
- [ Iritis / Anterior Uveitis Treatment ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/iritis-anterior-uveitis-treatment)
- [ Keratoconus - Corneal Eye Disease Treatment ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/keratoconus-treatment)
- [ Latisse Eyelash Treatment ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/latisse-eyelash-treatment)
- [ Lotemax Corticosteroid Eye Drops ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/lotemax-corticosteroid-eye-drops)
- [ Macular Corneal Dystrophy Treatment ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/macular-corneal-dystrophy-treatment)
- [ Macular Degeneration Prevention ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/macular-degeneration-prevention)
- [ Macular Degeneration Treatments ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/macular-degeneration-treatments)
- [ Macular Hole Treatment ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/macular-hole-treatment)
- [ Nutrition & Vitamins ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/nutrition-vitamins)
- [ Optical Coherence Tomography OCT Scan ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/optical-coherence-tomography-scan)
- [ Omega-3 Supplements ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/omega-3-supplements)
- [ Pinguecula Treatment ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/pinguecula-treatment)
- [ Pink Eye Treatment ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/conjunctivitis-treatment)
- [ Posterior Vitreous Detachment Treatment ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/vitreous-detachment-treatment)
- [ Presbyopia Treatment ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/presbyopia-treatment)
- [ Pterygium Treatment ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/pterygium-treatment)
- [ Punctal Occlusion Surgery ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/punctal-occlusion-surgery)
- [ Recommended Nutrition Supplements ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/recommended-nutrition-supplements)
- [ Restasis Prescription Eye Drops ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/restates-prescription-eye-drops)
- [ Retinal Detachment / Tear Treatment ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/retinal-detachment-treatment)
- [ Scleritis Treatment ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/scleritis-treatment)
- [ Soothe XP Artificial Tears ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/soothe-xp-artificial-tears)
- [ Stye (Hordeolum) Treatment ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/stye-treatment)
- [ TheraTears Lubricant Eye Drops ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/theratears-lubricant-eye-drops)
- [ Vigamox Eye Medicine ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/vigamox-eye-medicine)
- [ Visual Field Test ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/visual-field-test)
- [ Zeaxanthin Antioxidant ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/zeaxanthin-antioxidant)
- [ Zirgan Herpes Keratitis Treatment ](http://mastereyeassociates.hs-sites.com/zirgan-herpes-keratitis-treatment)

# ![contacts-logo](http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/128855/file-382237676-jpg/images/clients/eye-disease-icon.jpg "contacts-logo") Myopia (Nearsighted), Hyperopia (Farsighted), Astigmatism

# Myopia, Hyperopia and Astigmatism Cause Blurred Vision

#### Myopia is Commonly called Nearsightedness

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, occurs when light rays focus in front of the [retina](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-anatomy-eye-problems/) instead of **on** the retina, and therefore causes blurry distance vision. Light focuses in front of the [retina](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-anatomy-eye-problems/) if the eye is too long or the refractive power of the eye (primarily the cornea or crystalline lens) too strong. The traditional approach to correct myopia is by using [eyeglasses ](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eyeglasses-glasses-spectacles-lenses/)or contact lenses to help move the light to the retina and provide clear vision. Refractive surgery ([LASIK](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/lasik-austin-laser-eye-surgery-austin/) and [PRK](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/prk-laser-eye-surgery/)) may also be an option for those with myopia. Uncorrected myopia can also cause headaches or eyestrain. If you already wear glasses or [contacts](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/contact-lenses-austin/) and experience headaches or eyestrain, or find yourself squinting, it may be time for a new optical prescription.

![Eye problems - Myopia (nearsighted) causes blurred vision](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/Portals/60407/images//Myopia.jpg)

#### Hyperopia is Commonly called Farsightedness

**Hyperopia**, also known as farsightedness, occurs when light entering the eye does not come to a clear focus on the [retina](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-anatomy-eye-problems/). The focal point of the image is at a point behind the retina. This causes vision to be blurry at both distance and near if the hyperopia is a fairly high amount.  If the hyperopia is a low amount, for example, less than +1.50 diopters, many *young* people can overcome the farsightedness and still see very clear at all distances.  This is accomplished by contraction of the ciliary muscle in the eye, which causes the [crystalline lens](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-anatomy-eye-problems/) to become more convex in shape and thereby cause the images to focus closer to the desired point on the retina.  However, even if the person can see clearly by overcoming their hyperopia they may get **tired eyes and/or headaches**.  Additionally, **uncorrected hyperopia in children and students can sometimes make it more difficult to study and read and thereby decrease their ability to learn.**

If you wear glasses and have these symptoms, you may need a new prescription. Glasses may need to be worn full time or just for near vision, depending on the amount of hyperopia you have. Hyperopia can be corrected with glasses, contacts, or refractive surgery.

![eye problem hyperopia (farsighted) causes blurred vision](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/Portals/60407/images//hyperopia.jpg)

#### Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a refractive error where light rays come to focus at two different points inside the eye instead of one focal point. This causes blurred vision. Astigmatism is due to an irregularly shaped [cornea](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/wwwmastereyeassociates/eye-anatomy-problems/), toric crystalline lens or toricity of the retina. For example, if the cornea (clear window at the front of the eye) is shaped like the back of a spoon with two different radii of curvature, the light rays will be focused in two different areas of the retina after being refracted by two different curved surfaces. Astigmatism can occur with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or alone. Uncorrected astigmatism can cause eyestrain, headaches, and blurry vision at all distances. Astigmatism can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, and refractive surgery. [Contact lenses that correct astigmatism ](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/contact-lens-options/)are called toric lenses. Both [rigid gas permeable (RGP](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/contact-lens-options/)) and [soft contacts ](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/contact-lens-options/)can be worn to correct astigmatism. Our contact lens experts can determine which type of contact lens is best for you.

Some corneal diseases, such as [keratoconus](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/keratoconus-eye-problems/) can create an ***irregular astigmatism*** that create a blurred vision that can only be overcome with specialized contact lenses. 

![Astigmatism eye problem diagram](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/Portals/60407/images//astigmatism-Cross_Section_of_Astigmatic_Eye.jpg)

[![Master Eye Associates](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Master%20Eye%20Associates%20-PNG%20with%20transparency.png?width=300&name=Master%20Eye%20Associates%20-PNG%20with%20transparency.png "Master Eye Associates")](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/)

#### Eye Care Resources

- [Eye Diseases & Treatments](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-disorders)
- [Eyeglasses](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eyeglasses)
- [Contacts](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/contact-lenses)
- [LASIK](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/laser-eye-surgery)
- [Download Patient Forms](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/patient-forms)

#### Contact Us

- [North Austin](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-doctor-north-austin)
- [Central Austin](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-doctor-central-austin)
- [South Austin](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-doctor-south-austin)
- [Cedar Park](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-doctor-cedar-park)
- [Round Rock](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-doctor-round-rock)
- [Bee Cave](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-doctor-bee-cave)
- [Southeast Austin](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/eye-doctor-south-austin-southpark-meadows)

#### Follow Us!

[![Master Eye Associates Facebook](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/hs-fs/hubfs/facebook-logo-png-white-i6.png?width=30&height=30&name=facebook-logo-png-white-i6.png)](http://www.facebook.com/pages/Master+Eye+Associates/110023229047560) [![Master Eye Associates Google Plus](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/hs-fs/hubfs/google-plus-icon-white.png?width=30&height=30&name=google-plus-icon-white.png)](https://plus.google.com/102286101415714881353) [![Master Eye Associates Twitter](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/hs-fs/hubfs/twitter2.png?width=30&height=30&name=twitter2.png)](https://twitter.com/MasterEyeAssoc) [![Master Eye Associates YouTube](https://www.mastereyeassociates.com/hs-fs/hubfs/white-youtube-logo-png-ID-d568aaea-aaf9-4f4b-c206-a7dec7b85acb.png?width=30&height=30&name=white-youtube-logo-png-ID-d568aaea-aaf9-4f4b-c206-a7dec7b85acb.png)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaCgsfhyE0cNOTmSGSWribg)

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only. The information on this website is not meant to diagnose or treat any disease(s). Only a licensed doctor can diagnose or treat disease. No information on this website has been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.