Is it possible for myopia to become hyperopia?

Currently, the incidence of myopia is very high. If you visit a school, you may find that over half of the children in a class wear myopic glasses prematurely—this can cause significant difficulties in their future daily life and work. To prevent myopia, it is essential first to understand its underlying causes. But can a myopic eye become hyperopic?

Can a Myopic Eye Become Hyperopic?

Myopia does not transform into hyperopia. Myopia results from abnormalities in the eye’s refractive system caused by various factors, leading light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina. Vision can be corrected effectively using concave lenses or refractive surgery for myopia. Myopia is categorized into axial myopia and refractive myopia: the longer the axial length of the eye and the steeper the cornea, the higher the degree of myopia. Without corrective lenses, a myopic eye experiences greater visual fatigue, accelerating the progression of myopia.

Hyperopia refers to a condition where, with the ciliary muscle in a non-accommodative state, light focuses behind the retina. There are three types of hyperopia: axial hyperopia, curvature hyperopia, and refractive hyperopia. Clinical manifestations include: high hyperopia in childhood may lead to amblyopia and strabismus; during adolescence, individuals must exert accommodative effort to shift the focal point from behind the retina onto the retina itself—thus, near tasks often cause sensations of heaviness around the eyes, dryness, ocular soreness, and even headache; in middle-aged and older adults, premature presbyopia may appear.

The pathogenic mechanisms of myopia and astigmatism differ; therefore, myopia may occur without concurrent astigmatism. It is advisable to visit a professional optometry clinic for cycloplegic refraction—using cycloplegic agents to fully relax the ciliary muscle. We hope this explanation proves helpful to you.