Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a common refractive error. People who suffer from hyperopia may see distant objects well, but experience difficulty when focusing on close-up objects or their eyes may have to work extremely hard to focus any object. It is not uncommon for someone with hyperopia to hold objects at arm’s length when reading.
A refractive error occurs when the shape of your eye prevents light from focusing on the retina (light sensitive tissue in the back of the eye), resulting in blurred vision.
Hyperopia occurs when light entering the eye focuses behind the retina instead of directly on it. This can be the result of two things:
Without an eye examination, hyperopia can often remain undiagnosed in children. However, it is common they become less hyperopic as the eyeball lengthens with natural growth.
Common signs and symptoms of hyperopia:
Although these are common signs and symptoms, they do not necessarily mean that you have hyperopia. If any of these symptoms are experienced, contact our Optometrist to schedule an eye examination.
If you are affected by hyperopia to the extent it is interfering with your day-to-day lifestyle, it is time to visit a doctor. Our Optometrists will be able to determine your degree of farsightedness and advise you of suitable treatment options to correct your vision.
Left untreated, hyperopia can progress and further impair your vision. Eyeglasses or contact lenses are effective treatments for hyperopia. Corrective surgery may also be an option.
Many cases of farsightedness can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Prescribed lenses work by changing the way light enters the eyes. Depending on your degree of severity, prescribed lenses may be required to be worn at all times. In other cases, prescribed lenses are only required when reading, working on a computer, or doing other close-up work.
If you feel prescribed lenses are not the right treatment option for you, refractive surgery (laser eye surgery) is available. Procedures such as LASIK are another option for correcting hyperopia. Laser eye surgery may reduce or eliminate the need to wear prescribed lenses.
In order to determine a suitable treatment plan for you, contact our Optometrists to schedule an eye examination. During the examination, they will be available to address any questions or concerns you may have.
