What Is Myopia? Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common vision condition in which distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly. It occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. As a result, the brain receives a blurred image of faraway objects. This condition affects people of all ages, from children and teens to adults. In recent years, myopia has become more widespread, especially among those who spend extended time focusing on screens or reading without enough outdoor activity. Early Symptoms of Myopia Myopia often develops gradually, especially during childhood or adolescence, but it can also appear suddenly. Common symptoms include: Blurry vision when looking at distant objects (e.g., road signs, whiteboards, or television) Squinting to see clearly Eye strain or fatigue, particularly when driving or watching a movie Headaches caused by straining to focus Difficulty seeing clearly at night (night myopia) Sitting close to screens or holding books too near In children, signs may also include poor school performance, lack of attention, or sitting very close to the TV. Severity Levels of Myopia Myopia is classified by diopter (D) values, which measure the focusing power of lenses needed to correct your vision: Mild Myopia (≤ -3.00 D) Slightly blurred distance vision Often manageable with glasses or contact lenses Low risk of long-term complications Moderate Myopia (-3.00 D to -6.00 D) Clearer near vision but increasingly blurry distance vision May require full-time corrective lenses Higher likelihood of eye fatigue and progression during adolescence High or Severe Myopia (≥ -6.00 D) Significant visual impairment without correction Higher risk of eye conditions such as: Retinal detachment Glaucoma Cataracts Myopic macular degeneration People with high myopia often need stronger prescriptions and more frequent eye checkups. What Causes Myopia? Myopia can be caused by several factors, including: Genetics: A family history of myopia increases the likelihood of developing it Environmental Factors: Long hours of near work such as reading, writing, or screen time Insufficient Outdoor Activity: Lack of exposure to natural daylight during childhood Eye Shape: Elongated eyeballs or excessively curved corneas disrupt light refraction Diagnosis and Eye Examination at Bangkok Eye Hospital At Bangkok Eye Hospital, myopia diagnosis involves a comprehensive and painless eye examination tailored to your visual needs and lifestyle. Our services include: Visual acuity test: Measures how clearly you can see at various distances Refraction assessment: Determines the exact lens prescription needed Slit-lamp examination: Evaluates the overall health of your eyes Retinal examination: Checks for changes in the retina, especially in high myopia Corneal topography and axial length measurement: For accurate LASIK or refractive surgery planning Early detection of myopia in children and young adults is critical to slow its progression and reduce future eye health risks. Treatment and Vision Correction Options Treatment for myopia depends on the severity of the condition and the patient's age, lifestyle, and preferences. Bangkok Eye Hospital offers both non-surgical and surgical treatment options: Eyeglasses The most common and non-invasive method Lightweight lenses available for mild to high myopia Anti-reflective coatings and blue-light filters can enhance comfort Contact Lenses Offer a wider field of vision and are ideal for sports or active lifestyles Available in soft, rigid gas permeable, and daily disposable types Ortho-K (orthokeratology) lenses are worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily Laser Eye Surgery LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)Uses a laser to reshape the cornea and improve light refraction. Suitable for most mild to moderate myopia cases. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)Alternative to LASIK for those with thin corneas ReLEx SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)A minimally invasive option for correcting myopia with less discomfort and faster healing Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL) A permanent lens is inserted in front of the natural lens without removing any tissue Recommended for patients with high myopia or thin corneas not suitable for LASIK Managing Progressive Myopia in Children Controlling myopia in children is essential to prevent severe vision problems in the future. Bangkok Eye Hospital offers: Atropine eye drops to slow myopia progression Specialized lenses (e.g., multifocal or myopia control lenses) Behavioral recommendations: Encouraging outdoor play, limiting screen time, and promoting visual breaks Related Services at Bangkok Eye Hospital To provide full-spectrum care for myopia and other refractive errors, we offer: Refractive Surgery Center: For LASIK, PRK, and ReLEx SMILE Pediatric Ophthalmology Clinic: Early detection and control of myopia in children Contact Lens Clinic: Expert fitting and training for safe contact lens use Comprehensive Eye Exams: Annual checkups to monitor and manage refractive changes Low Vision Services: Support and guidance for patients with high myopia and vision loss Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Can myopia be cured permanently?While glasses and contact lenses offer temporary correction, surgical options like LASIK or ICL can provide long-term vision correction. However, they do not "cure" the tendency for eye elongation or prevent future eye diseases. Is LASIK suitable for everyone with myopia?Not always. Suitability depends on factors like age, corneal thickness, and eye health. A thorough evaluation at Bangkok Eye Hospital will determine the best approach. Can myopia get worse over time?Yes. Myopia often progresses during childhood and teenage years. Early management can help slow its development. Can lifestyle changes help reduce myopia progression?Yes. Spending more time outdoors, taking regular breaks from screens, and managing lighting while reading can help reduce strain and potentially slow progression.   What is the difference between myopia and astigmatism?Myopia affects distance vision, while astigmatism causes blurred or distorted vision at all distances due to irregular corneal shape. Many patients have both.

What Is Farsightedness? Farsightedness, also known as hyperopia, is a common refractive error in which light entering the eye focuses behind the retina, rather than directly on it. This occurs because the eye is either too short from front to back, or the cornea has too little curvature. As a result, people with hyperopia have difficulty seeing objects up close, while distant objects may appear clearer. In some cases, especially in young individuals, the eye’s natural lens can compensate, making symptoms less noticeable—until eye strain sets in. Causes of Farsightedness Hyperopia is typically hereditary and present from birth. Its main cause is related to abnormalities in the shape of the eye: Shortened axial length: The eyeball is shorter than normal, causing light to focus behind the retina. Flat corneal curvature: The front surface of the eye (cornea) is less curved than usual. Age-related lens changes: The natural ability to accommodate diminishes over time, revealing or worsening farsightedness. While it often develops early in life, farsightedness can progress or become more noticeable with age, especially after age 40 due to presbyopia—an age-related decline in near vision. Symptoms of Farsightedness The symptoms vary based on the degree of hyperopia and a person’s age. Mild cases may be asymptomatic, while more severe hyperopia can significantly affect daily activities. Common signs include: Difficulty focusing on near objects (e.g., reading, using a smartphone) Eyestrain or fatigue, especially during tasks requiring close vision Headaches, particularly after prolonged reading or screen use Squinting to see nearby items clearly Burning or aching eyes In children, crossed eyes (strabismus) may develop if uncorrected Diagnosing Hyperopia at Bangkok Eye Hospital Accurate diagnosis is key to determining the appropriate treatment. At Bangkok Eye Hospital, our eye specialists use a range of technologies to assess your vision, including: Refraction testing using autorefractors or phoropters Visual acuity testing for both distance and near vision Cycloplegic refraction for children or those suspected of accommodating excessively Retinoscopy and manual lens comparison Our experienced ophthalmologists ensure that your prescription is tailored not only to your refractive error but also to your lifestyle and visual demands. Treatment Options for Farsightedness There are several effective ways to correct hyperopia, depending on the severity, age, and preference of the patient: Eyeglasses Most common and non-invasive solution Use convex lenses to help light focus correctly on the retina Suitable for all age groups Available in single-vision or multifocal (progressive) options Contact Lenses Provide a wider field of view compared to glasses Soft lenses, rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses, or multifocal contacts Require proper hygiene and fitting by a specialist Refractive Surgery (LASIK/PRK) Reshapes the cornea to correct how light is focused Suitable for mild to moderate hyperopia Fast recovery and long-term solution for many patients Related reading: What Is LASIK Eye Surgery? Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) Recommended for older patients or those with significant presbyopia Involves replacing the natural lens with a custom intraocular lens (IOL) Similar to cataract surgery but done electively for vision correction Can Farsightedness Be Prevented? Since hyperopia is often genetic and structural, it cannot be prevented. However, early diagnosis and appropriate correction can prevent complications such as: Eyestrain and chronic headaches Learning difficulties in children Amblyopia (lazy eye) Strabismus (crossed eyes) Regular eye exams are especially important for children, who may not realize they are having difficulty seeing clearly. Related Services at Bangkok Eye Hospital To provide comprehensive care for hyperopia, Bangkok Eye Hospital offers: Comprehensive Eye ExaminationsFor accurate diagnosis and personalized prescriptions Refractive Surgery CenterIncludes LASIK, PRK, and advanced imaging for treatment planning Pediatric Eye Care ClinicFor early detection and treatment of vision problems in children Contact Lens ClinicOffers expert fittings for patients with hyperopia and presbyopia Presbyopia and Aging Eye CenterFor adults over 40 needing correction for both near and distance vision Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Is farsightedness the same as presbyopia?No. Hyperopia is due to an eye shape issue, often present from birth. Presbyopia is age-related and affects the eye’s focusing ability, usually after age 40. Can children outgrow farsightedness?Yes, in some cases. As a child’s eye grows, mild hyperopia may correct itself. Regular eye exams are important to monitor changes. Is LASIK effective for farsightedness?Yes. LASIK can correct mild to moderate hyperopia by reshaping the cornea to improve light focus. Do I need to wear glasses all the time if I have hyperopia?Not necessarily. If your farsightedness is mild and your eyes can compensate, you might only need glasses for reading or computer use.   Can uncorrected hyperopia cause eye problems?Yes. It can lead to eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, and in children, may increase the risk of amblyopia or crossed eyes.

Choosing the Right LASIK Treatment When it comes to LASIK eye surgery, many individuals have questions like, "Which LASIK Treatment is best?" and "Can I choose my LASIK treatment, or does the doctor decide?" Laser Vision is here to provide you with answers and insights into LASIK treatment, helping you make an informed decision. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): PRK is a well-established treatment technique for vision correction. It involves removing the outermost layer of the cornea and using an Excimer Laser to reshape it. PRK is suitable for mild to moderate vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and mild astigmatism. LASIK (Laser In Situ Keratomileusis): LASIK is a popular and advanced vision correction treatment. It includes creating a corneal flap using a blade and reshaping the cornea with an Excimer Laser. LASIK is suitable for various vision issues, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. NanoLASIK: NanoLASIK is a modern and bladeless approach to vision correction. It uses laser light for precise corneal reshaping. This treatment enhances the chances of treating higher-level vision issues and reduces discomfort. NanoRelex: NanoRelex is the most advanced vision correction treatment. It uses a Femtosecond Laser for precise corneal tissue reshaping, making it a gentle option for mild to moderate nearsightedness and mild astigmatism. Your eyes are unique, and the best LASIK treatment depends on your specific needs. In addition to your eye condition and the available treatment techniques, your daily lifestyle plays a vital role in the decision-making process. Ultimately, the choice of LASIK treatment should be a collaborative decision between you and your doctor, aiming for the best possible vision correction. Conclusion: At Laser Vision, our team of experienced eye specialists is dedicated to long-term vision correction. We offer a range of LASIK treatment technologies, including PRK, TransPRK, LASIK, FemtoLASIK, NanoLASIK, and NanoRelex, tailored to your individual needs. Trust us to guide you toward the best LASIK treatment for your unique vision requirements.