Hyperopia (Farsightedness)

Hyperopia, commonly called farsightedness, is a refractive error where distant objects are seen more clearly than close-up ones. While people with mild hyperopia may not experience significant vision problems, those with more severe cases can struggle to see near and far objects, causing eye strain.

What is Hyperopia?

Hyperopia occurs when the eyeball is too short, or the cornea is not curved enough. This prevents light from focusing directly on the retina. Instead, the light focuses behind the retina, causing blurry vision, especially for nearby objects.

Farsighted individuals may be able to see distant objects relatively well, but activities like reading, writing, or using a computer can become challenging without correction. Hyperopia can be present at birth, and some children may grow out of it as their eyes develop, but others will need corrective lenses to manage the condition.

Hyperopia Symptoms

The most common symptom of hyperopia is difficulty seeing objects up close. People with hyperopia may experience symptoms such as:  

• Eye strain
• Fatigue
• Headaches

Another common symptom is blurry vision when looking at nearby objects. In severe cases, distant vision may also be affected, causing overall blurriness. Children with hyperopia may struggle in school due to difficulty focusing on books or other close-up materials.

What Causes Hyperopia?

The shape of the eye primarily causes hyperopia. If the eyeball is shorter than normal or the cornea has too little curvature, light entering the eye does not focus properly on the retina. Genetics plays a significant role in hyperopia and it often runs in families.

Environmental factors like excessive screen time or prolonged work may also contribute to eye strain in hyperopic individuals, although these factors do not directly cause the condition. As the eye ages, changes to the lens can also exacerbate hyperopia, making it more common in adults over 40.

Diagnosing Hyperopia

Diagnosing hyperopia is straightforward and involves a comprehensive eye examination. During the exam, an eye care professional assesses your vision using a series of tests to measure how well you see at different distances. A refraction test is commonly used to determine whether you have hyperopia and the degree of the condition.

Treatment for Hyperopia

Treatment for hyperopia typically involves using corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, to adjust how light enters the eye and focuses on the retina. The strength of the prescription depends on the severity of the hyperopia. In mild cases, people may only need glasses for reading or other close-up tasks, while others may need to wear them full-time.

For those seeking a more permanent solution, refractive surgery like LASIK can reshape the cornea, allowing light to focus properly on the retina. Your eye doctor will work with you to determine the best treatment plan based on your needs.

Schedule Your Appointment

It may be time for a comprehensive eye exam if you’re experiencing difficulty with near vision or eye strain. Contact Total Eye Care today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward better eye health.

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