Hyperopia, Myopia, and Presbyopia: What exactly are they?

21 Feb 2017


 

As is the case with pretty much any medical treatments, you will encounter lots of interesting terminology when it comes to your eyes.
 

So, while medical terms such as myopia, hyperopia and presbyopia are perfectly fine for highly trained and qualified eye care professionals like ourselves to use, we recognise that not everyone is an eye care professional.

That’s exactly the reason why we see it as part of our role to explain each of these eye conditions using simple, everyday language: because in doing so, you will know exactly what condition affects you and what your treatment options are.

 

Hyperopia
 

This is the medical term for what is more commonly known “far sightedness”, a very common eye condition that affects approximately 1 in 5 people.
 

With hyperopia, distant objects may appear more clearly than those that are close up. The reason for this is that as a “refractive error”, the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing on the retina. Essentially, what this means is that the eyeball is too short, preventing incoming light from focusing directly on the retina.
 

Hyperopia can be 100% corrected in approximately 7 minutes via LASIK laser eye surgery: the most commonly performed laser eye surgery procedure in the world. And that means your glasses or contact lenses can become a thing of the past forever!

 

Myopia
 

Myopia is the opposite of hyperopia and results in “near sightedness” or “short sightedness. In effect then it causes distant objects to appear blurred, while close up objects appear in full focus.
 

It is estimated that up to 1 in 3 people in the UK suffer from this condition which, can be caused by the cornea and / or the lens of the eye being too curved for the length of the eyeball. The result is that he eye doesn’t bend or refract light properly to a single focus, which means that objects held close to you will look clear, whilst distant objects appear blurred.
 

As with hyperopia above, myopia can also be 100% corrected through LASIK laser eye surgery – meaning no more glasses, just perfect 20/20 vision!

 

Presbyopia
 

Presbyopia means ‘ageing of the eye’ and is a condition that will affect almost everyone eventually, regardless of whether you have had laser eye surgery or not and regardless of whether you have previously had perfect vision all your life .
 

As an age-related focus dysfunction that results in the gradual loss of near vision in people over the age of 40, it usually becomes very noticeable once people are in their mid to late forties.
 

With Presbyopia, reading small print becomes a real challenge and fonts become easier to read the further away you move the reading material from the eyes! The reason for this is that the lens of the eye can no longer change shape easily to ‘accommodate’ near vision, so in response we simply compensate for this by moving the object further away.
 

How is Presbyopia treated?
 

Unlike with hyperopia and myopia, both of which can be easily treated with laser surgery, up until relatively recently the only solution to this condition was reading glasses.
 

However, as both science and technology have advanced, there are now two incredible solutions to presbyopia – Kamra and Presbia - both of which involve the insertion of a tiny optical inlay into the eye.
 

Each of these two treatments takes less than 10 minutes, and it will completely transform your life: just imagine no more reading glasses, no more frustration at having to squint, and no more having to stretch your arm out to read your newspaper!?
 

See how Presbia treatment has completely transformed Celia Holman Lee’s life!

More to Explore

Can You Read This?

16 Apr 2014
Read more

Essential Eye Health Advice from Optilase

29 Sep 2015
Read more

How Presbyopia Affects Individuals with Refractive Errors

09 Sep 2013
Read more

What Does 20-20 Vision Mean? How Can Laser Eye Surgery Help?

12 Mar 2018
Read more

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aine kelly
May 22, 2023

Absolutely amazing from the consultation with Aisling in at Athlone to everyone in Ely Place and my surgeon Tom!! Delighted to have my 20/20 free and to be glasses and contacts free!!! Thank you all so much again!!!

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Jenny Flynn
May 19, 2023

Amazing treatment, such friendly and bubbly staff helped take any nerves out of the day, highly recommend 😁

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Dara Byrne
May 19, 2023

From start to finish, from consultation to surgery and now post surgery, Optilase have been fantastic! Surgery has been life changing! Recommending to everyone!

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Sinead Griffin
May 18, 2023

So happy with my results! There was a very quick turnaround between my consultation and the surgery and they were so flexible with appointment times. There is a lot of waiting around on the day of surgery but once started it’s a very quick process! Would highly recommend to anyone considering!

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Jason Leavey
May 18, 2023

Very happy so far, was a thoroughly professional experience from the consultation to the surgery to post op checks. Was slightly delayed on day of surgery but all worth it in the end. Would definitely recommend to anyone choosing to go down the laser eye surgery route.

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Joseph Walshe
May 17, 2023

I had laser eye surgery one week ago. It was by far the best decision I’ve ever made. I was extremely nervous about getting the procedure done, so I did get a second opinion on it. The service optilase offers was by far superior than anything else offered by other places. They were always happy to answer questions, and even got my optometrist, Michaela, to call me back to answer questions I had. On the day of surgery, I was in and out within an hour - super quick and efficient. The surgeon was very reassuring as were the whole team. By that evening there was a noticeable improvement in my vision, and by the next morning I had better than 20/20 vision. The precision of my vision now is indescribable: everything is so much clearer and life is just better! By far the best decision I’ve ever made. Thank you Michaela & Team Optilase for all of your help. I would highly recommend to anyone.

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Sarah McSarah
April 13, 2023

The staff were so friendly and helpful and made the whole process very easy. I got emails and phonecalls with all the information I needed and more from when I booked my first consultation until after the surgery. I had LASIK, which was quick and comfortable. My surgeon was kind and thorough and he took the time to chat before and after the procedure. It was all just generally easier and more pleasant than I expected and I’m so glad to have had LASIK here

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shay galon
March 28, 2023

Absolutely delighted with result, the staff were very friendly and accommodating. They keep you very calm before and after procedure

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Sarah Cahill
March 28, 2023

Best decision I’ve ever made! The clinic in Ely place was incredible- from start to finish you are so well looked after and all the staff are so incredibly nice! Anyone wondering whether they should do it , go for it!! I can’t believe I waited so long!!

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Niamh Costello
March 28, 2023

The support from the stuff is incredible. They are always willing to help and answer any questions you may have, both pre and post procedure. I had the PRK procedure and although I am only just at the 2 week mark I can say that my recovery will take longer than I expected so that was slightly disappointing. Though I am aware recovery times differ, I was surprised because I was consistently told 2 weeks recovery time.

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Victor Oliveira
March 28, 2023

Amazing staff, couldn’t recommend enough.

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Eireann Doyle
February 14, 2023

Had a brilliant experience at Optilase, 2 weeks from my consultation I was in to get my LASIK surgery after being told I was not eligible in other clinics. The staff were so friendly and reassuring I really felt in safe hands.

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Natalia Mallmann
February 14, 2023

I was delighted with the results and recovery process of my eyes. I had my laser done on a Saturday, and literally, on Monday, I was ready to go back to my regular routine! Had no issues at all!

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Christie Toney
January 30, 2023

Had a very positive experience doing LASIK with Optilase. Having worn glasses for over 20 years, they became my second skin. I was looking forward to start a new journey in my life without glasses but was anxious on who to approach. After being recommended through a friend I chose to get a consultation with Optilase. The staff were very friendly and easy going. They answered all my questions and was happy to go ahead. The surgery itself was quite quick. I could even see improvement moments after which was amazing! Doing LASIK was definitely worth it. I wish I had got it done sooner, but better late than never!!

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Aisling Duffy
January 17, 2023

Great experience staff were lovely and extremely happy with the results. Wish I had got it done sooner!

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sean buckley
January 17, 2023

Got my lasik eye surgery done in opera Lane in cork.. I'm very happy with the results staff are very easy deal with and also after care has been great..

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Sinead Butler
December 1, 2022

From my first consultation to having the procedure on the day, I had a very pleasant experience with all staff members . It was so easy and pain free and the aftercare was 5 star . My only wish is that I had have done it sooner

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Clare
November 30, 2022

Such a pleasant experience all staff were soo lovely and explained what would happen step by step and made sure I was ok throughout the entire process. Highly recommend

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Aislinn Brennan
November 30, 2022

The staff here in Ely place are wonderful. So friendly and welcoming. The clinic itself is very inviting with the bright interior and is kept very clean. Would highly recommend.

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Kieron Cushen
October 13, 2022

I had a fantastic experience with Optilase and highly recommend their service. They made, what many would find daunting or scary, to be so much easier than I had thought. The healing time was quick and I can honestly say, one of the smartest decisions that I have made.

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Elodie Le Rouic
October 1, 2022

I have been thinking of getting surgery for the past 5 years but was too anxious to book a consultation. I decided to take the plunge a couple of months ago and I have zero regrets! Optilase staff was so nice, professional and caring- I felt well taken care of from the beginning. From the receptionists to the doctors, nurses and surgeons - everyone is extremely nice and thoroughly explain the process. While it's a bit intimidating, the surgery is completely painless and quick. It changed my life - I had glasses for the past 20 years and the results are incredible! Highly recommended.

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Albert Trayor
September 27, 2022

I couldn’t recommend Optilase enough. From my initial free consultation and pre-surgery appointments to the actual surgery and then post-surgery appointments, the staff are unbelievably professional and well trained. Made me feel very at ease throughout the whole process. I am absolutely delighted with the results and very happy I went with Optilase.

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Mike Chapman
September 27, 2022

In a industry where customer care is important Optilase didnt dissapoint. I was in safe hands from day one with all my questions answered and any concerns quickly put to bed from end to end. Currently only 3 days after surgery but the experience was eye opening and would do it all over again.

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Rami Jammoul
September 27, 2022

Went great! Super professional

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Guilherme Zogbi
September 13, 2022

Had a great PRK surgery, really glad you the results so far. Staff is nice and friendly since the beginning. Definitely recommend. Would just say that the post-op care could have been a bit better in general. But happy overall.

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Jessica Gordon
September 12, 2022

Had laser about 4 months ago. No problems since, and vision is perfect. I haven’t needed lubricating drops for about 6 weeks, despite having some dry eye pre-surgery. Collette in Galway was fantastic from the first consultation through to the aftercare appointments. She was so kind, thorough and never rushed! The day of the surgery was nerve racking and the time with the surgeon just pre op felt a bit rushed, but the operation itself was fast and efficient. The best decision ever!

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Rosana Fernández
September 12, 2022

excellent service, the best decision I could make.

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Caoimhe Henry
September 12, 2022

My whole experience with Optilase was nothing but pleasant from start to finish. All of the staff were nice to deal with and put me at ease. The surgery itself was quick and pain free. I experienced some pain and discomfort in the hours following my surgery but I was fully recovered within 24 hours. I could not recommend Optilase highly enough for anyone considering laser eye surgery.

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Alejandro Octavius Jose
September 12, 2022

Great staff always willing to help you. I love that they were more concern about my well-being than me…… Five (5) gold star for there services.

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Darlene Doyle
September 12, 2022

I've had a really good experience with Optilase from my first consultation to follow up after having my laser eye procedure done. All the staff are always very helpful and had no problem answering all of my questions before and after the procedure. The procedure itself is very quick, and the preparation beforehand and the aftercare is very thorough. I would have no hesitation recommending Optilase to anyone.

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Mia Bronotte
September 12, 2022

From the minute I arrived at Optalise. I felt at ease. My questions were answered clearly and concisely. I understood how the procedures worked and I was provided with all the information I required to select which surgery worked for me. On my surgery day- I felt like I was in the best hands- thank you all! I am blown away that I can see again without glasses! Thank you to all the team in Cork!

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Brendan Burnside
September 12, 2022

Very professionally looked after. The whole process was over so much quicker than I expected. Vision is now better that 20/20 so very happy!

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F Foynes
September 12, 2022

Super efficient and really lovely to deal with. Had a great experience from start to finish!

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Jasmin Victoria Skrutl
September 12, 2022

The surgeon and whole team were incredible throughout. Professional, knowledgeable and supportive at all times. They just all make you feel comfortable and more secure in the decision “before going under”. Super happy with the result and follow-ups! Thank you!

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Sean McGinnis
September 12, 2022

I had lasik done 3 weeks ago, I wish I had it done years ago. My vision is perfect now it's unbelievable. Not having to find my glasses and not having dry eyes from contact lenses is such a relief. Highly recommended.

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Liane O'Donovan
September 12, 2022

Quick and easy procedure, staff were very friendly on the day and for each check up. Delighted with the results.

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Amanda Dunne
September 12, 2022

I had a wonderful experience for my laser eye surgery at Optilase. The team provided all the information I needed in an accessible and timely way, meaning that I had very few questions or anxieties as I headed in for the procedure. The after care has also been great. I am delighted with my new sight!

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Emma Tobin
September 12, 2022

Optilase Dublin were fantastic to deal with from the consultation to the actual procedure. Everyone I dealt with were so informative and helpful which put me at ease. On surgery day the nurses and surgeon were so lovely and made me feel as comfortable as possible. The procedure itself was so quick and easy, mine was over and done with within a minute and a half. I would 100% recommend optilase clinic for anyone considering lasik.

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Nadia D
August 26, 2022

I'm now at 6 month post surgery and I'm still get stunned that I can see perfectly now without glasses.. the entire process from booking to surgery and post care were simple, clear and I always felt at ease. It is becoming a cliche, but it's best money I've ever spent!

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Tara Dorney
August 24, 2022

I was very happy with my optilase experience. I now have above 20/20 vision. The whole experience from the consultation, the receptionists to the procedure was professional and everybody was so nice and made me feel at ease. Would highly recommend doing it, best decision I've made.

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Rachael Murphy
August 18, 2022

Couldn’t recommend Optilase enough. The procedure and recovery time was so quick and pain free. I haven’t looked back since.

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Fiona Mahoney
August 17, 2022

So happy I got my surgery done with Optilase, was done so quickly and everything was explained so well and as a result, the recovery process went really well! I’m glad I finally took the plunge and got the PRK Procedure done, now I have better than 20/20 vision! Thanks Optilase ☺️

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Evan O'Brien
August 16, 2022

I felt really well taken care of throughout the whole process with Optilase and now I feel that my vision is perfect.

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Niamh Foley
August 12, 2022

Had a great experience with optilase in Cork, all staff were very helpful and the procedure was over in minutes. Best thing I've ever done

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maggie shannon
August 12, 2022

I honestly cannot believe I waited so long to get laser eye surgery because it has changed my live so much. Swimming, travelling, exercising, bathing and mask wearing have all become much easier and more comfortable. No more fumbling around at night to look for my glasses if I have to check on the kids or pets and getting up in the morning and being able to see clearly is still such a wonderful novelty almost a year on. If you are now like I was for years just contemplating and then finding reasons to put it off for another year then I would advise you to go for it and free yourself from glasses and contacts. You won't regret it!

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meadhbh ni laoi
August 12, 2022

Had a great experience, the procedure itself was explained well and was very quick and pain free. My eyes were a little uncomfortable for a few hours after but I was able to sleep and woke up with perfect vision. My check ups were very helpful and thorough and I had no issues after my surgery. Delighted with my results and just wish I had it done sooner.

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Kerrie Palmer
August 11, 2022

Amazing service and really friendly and lovely staff, was recommended optilase by two family members and honestly worth every cent, can see into the void now

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Rachel Healy
August 11, 2022

Very happy with the overall lasik treatment. Quick, effective, and well worth doing.

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Cheryl Doyle
August 10, 2022

Fantastic, professional and super aftercare!

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Niall Galvin
August 10, 2022

Went in for the consultation and was deemed suitable for treatment. Excellent service all the way through. Was nervous going in as I had heard horror stories but it was honestly so easy and quick and there’s no pain involved, they made me very comfortable and explained everything beforehand. Had my procedure at the beginning of December 2021, was booked into various check ups as part of the after care and was given an easy to follow guide of next steps. Had my discharge appointment today and my eyesight was still much better than 20/20. Delighted with the result and the entire procedure. Highly recommend!!! Any questions or concerns I’d be happy to answer.

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