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Can A Nearsighted Person Suddenly Become Farsighted?

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Posted on Mon, 28 Jan 2019
Question: I have worn glasses for the last 40+ years to correct nearsightedness. I could see things up close and read without my glasses. A few days ago I started having trouble focusing to read with or without my glasses. Then yesterday while I was driving, I was having a hard time seeing clearly through my glasses which I've always needed to drive. I took my glasses off and I could see almost perfectly without them. I've never been able to see at a distance to read road signs before but all of a sudden I can see. Now I have trouble focusing on objects and print up close. Have you ever heard of a nearsighted person suddenly becoming farsighted? I had a similar experience when I was first diagnosed with diabetes 14 years ago. Once I got on medicine, my vision returned to what it was before. My diabetes now is under good control. My last A1C was 4.8 taken two weeks ago. Do you have an explanation for this occurring?
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Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Advice to follow up with an ophthalmologist.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

As per your history, the sudden correction of myopia (nearsightedness) is concerning. Usually, with the onset of age related presbyopia (farsightedness), people notice that it is easier to read/see near objects upon removing the correction glasses for myopia. But the vice versa situation in your case where nearsightedness has gotten corrected is not usual.

Sudden correction of myopia means that the length of the eye ball has some how decreased or the retina has been pushed forward. It can occur in cases like fluid leakage or growth behind the retina.

I recommend that you follow up with your ophthalmologist as soon as possible for a detailed evaluation. Sudden correction of myopia and the onset of presbyopia is concerning and requires further evaluation.

Hope this answers your question.

Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal
General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3808 Questions

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Can A Nearsighted Person Suddenly Become Farsighted?

Brief Answer: Advice to follow up with an ophthalmologist. Detailed Answer: Hello, As per your history, the sudden correction of myopia (nearsightedness) is concerning. Usually, with the onset of age related presbyopia (farsightedness), people notice that it is easier to read/see near objects upon removing the correction glasses for myopia. But the vice versa situation in your case where nearsightedness has gotten corrected is not usual. Sudden correction of myopia means that the length of the eye ball has some how decreased or the retina has been pushed forward. It can occur in cases like fluid leakage or growth behind the retina. I recommend that you follow up with your ophthalmologist as soon as possible for a detailed evaluation. Sudden correction of myopia and the onset of presbyopia is concerning and requires further evaluation. Hope this answers your question. Regards, Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal General & Family Physician