13/11/2025
You've probably heard people talk about being “nearsighted” or having “astigmatism.” They sound similar both cause blurry vision and often require glasses or contact lenses. But the truth is, they’re not the same thing at all. At Barraquer, we often see patients who come in saying, “I was told I have astigmatism, not myopia. What's the difference?” or “Can I have both?” Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Understanding Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, means you can see nearby objects clearly but distant objects look blurry. This happens when the eyeball is slightly longer than normal, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. So when you try to look at something far away like road signs or a TV screen it appears out of focus.
Common Signs of Myopia:
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Squinting to see far objects
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Headaches or eye strain after distance viewing
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Sitting too close to screens or books
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Difficulty seeing clearly at night
Myopia often begins in childhood or teenage years and tends to worsen gradually until early adulthood. At Barraquer, myopia is one of the most common conditions we diagnose especially with today’s screen-heavy lifestyles and reduced outdoor time.
Understanding Astigmatism
Astigmatism, on the other hand, isn’t about distance it’s about distortion. In a normal eye, the cornea (the front surface of the eye) is smooth and evenly curved, like a perfect basketball. In astigmatism, the cornea (or sometimes the lens inside the eye) has an irregular shape more like a rugby ball. This uneven curvature causes light to focus at multiple points, leading to blurred or stretched vision at all distances.
Common Signs of Astigmatism:
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Blurred or distorted vision (both near and far)
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Eye fatigue and strain
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Difficulty seeing clearly at night
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Frequent changes in prescription
Some people have both myopia and astigmatism meaning their eyes are both elongated and irregularly curved.
So, Which Is More Common?
In short myopia is more common, but astigmatism often coexists with it. According to recent global studies, over 30% of the world’s population has myopia, and that number is rising rapidly, especially in younger generations. Astigmatism affects roughly 1 in 3 people, but many cases are mild and go unnoticed until a detailed eye exam. The key takeaway? You can’t really compare them like “one replaces the other” both can occur independently or together. The important thing is how accurately they’re diagnosed and corrected.
How Barraquer Diagnoses Refractive Errors with Precision
At Barraquer, understanding the type and degree of refractive error is critical before recommending any treatment. Our specialists use advanced diagnostic technologies to map the eye’s surface and optical performance in detail:
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Corneal Topography: Creates a 3D map of the cornea to detect curvature irregularities linked to astigmatism.
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Wavefront Analysis: Measures how light travels through your eye, revealing subtle optical imperfections.
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Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides high-resolution imaging of retinal layers to detect any structural changes caused by high myopia.
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Refraction and Visual Acuity Testing: Determines the exact lens power needed for clear vision.
This level of precision ensures personalized treatments, whether it’s glasses, contact lenses, or advanced vision correction procedures like LASIK, PRK, or ICL.
Can They Be Treated Permanently?
Yes, depending on the severity and eye health, both conditions can be treated effectively.
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Glasses or Contact Lenses: The most common solution for both myopia and astigmatism.
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Laser Vision Correction: At Barraquer, procedures like LASIK or SMILE reshape the cornea for clearer, sharper vision.
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Implantable Lenses (ICL): For high prescriptions or thin corneas, ICL offers a reversible, long-term solution.
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Myopia Control in Children: For younger patients, early diagnosis and specialized lenses can slow progression.
When to Get Your Eyes Checked
If you find yourself squinting, experiencing frequent headaches, or noticing blurry vision at any distance, it’s time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Even mild astigmatism or myopia can worsen if left uncorrected and the earlier it’s identified, the easier it is to manage. At Barraquer, we believe every eye deserves clarity. With advanced technology and personalized care, we help patients understand their vision and improve it for the long term.
Conclusion
Astigmatism and myopia may sound like technical terms, but they’re part of daily life for millions. The difference lies in how your eye bends light but both have one thing in common: they’re easily managed with the right care. If your vision has started feeling blurrier, stretched, or inconsistent, it might not just be your screen time it might be time for an eye check. Because at Barraquer, clearer vision isn’t just about what you see it’s about how you live.
Schedule a consultation today
For consultation, please contact us:
- Email: appointments@barraquer.ae
- Phone (Outside the UAE): +971 4 573 9999
- Toll-Free (Within the UAE): 800 234823 (BEHUAE)
- Availability: 7 days a week, from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Extended hours on Monday until 8:00 PM