Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
What is hyperopia?
Hyperopia, commonly known as farsightedness, is a type of refractive error that causes objects that are close to you to appear blurry. This condition occurs when the eye's shape causes light to focus behind the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer located at the back of the eye, rather than directly on it.
If you are diagnosed with hyperopia, your eye care professional can recommend eyeglasses or contact lenses to enhance your vision clarity.
What are the signs of hyperopia?
The primary signs associated with hyperopia include:
Difficulty focusing on nearby objects
Eye fatigue (when your eyes feel exhausted or uncomfortable)
Headaches, particularly during activities like reading
Individuals with mild hyperopia may not experience noticeable symptoms. This is why regular eye examinations are crucial; they allow your eye doctor to ensure that your vision is as sharp as possible.
Children who have significant hyperopia may also face an increased risk of developing other eye conditions, such as strabismus (crossed eyes) or amblyopia (lazy eye).
What leads to hyperopia?
Hyperopia occurs when the eyeball is shorter than normal from front to back, or when there are irregularities in the shape of the cornea (the clear outer layer of the eye) or the lens (the inner part of the eye that aids in focusing).
These irregularities result in light focusing behind the retina, leading to the blurriness of nearby objects.
Most individuals with hyperopia are born with this condition, but it may not manifest as a vision issue until later in life. The likelihood of being farsighted increases if there is a family history of the condition.
How will my eye care professional assess hyperopia?
Eye care professionals can evaluate for hyperopia during a thorough eye examination. This assessment is straightforward and does not cause discomfort.
What are the treatment options for hyperopia?
The most prevalent treatments for hyperopia include eyeglasses or contact lenses. Your eye care provider will prescribe the appropriate lenses to ensure you see as clearly as possible.
In adults, surgical options are also available to correct hyperopia. This procedure alters the shape of the cornea, allowing it to focus light more effectively.