Two common eye conditions are nearsightedness and farsightedness. In the case of nearsightedness, a person sees close objects clearly but distant objects are blurry. Farsightedness is the opposite so objects at a distance are clear and those close up are blurry. Both are common types of refractive errors – situations in which the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing on the retina. They occur among children and adults. Farsightedness affects about 5-10 percent of Americans, according to the National Eye Institute. Nearsightedness affects a large percentage of Americans – about 25 percent. It is often diagnosed in children and may worsen during the teenage years. If your parents have either condition, you’re likely to develop it as well. Glasses and contact lenses are the two most common treatments for these refractive errors. Are you nearsighted or farsighted? When were your first diagnosed with the condition?
How Life Changes After You Stop Relying on Glasses
June 15, 2026
For many people, glasses and contacts become part of the daily routine: finding them first thing in the morning, cleaning lenses, packing extra contacts, dealing