A refractive error is very common and occurs in over half of Americans. It is caused when the eye does not bend light correctly, resulting in a blurred image. In most cases this is caused by changes in the shape of the eye, the cornea, or the lens inside the eye.
What is Hyperopia? (farsightedness)
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a vision condition in which distant objects are usually seen clearly but objects close up may appear blurry. Hyperopia occurs due to the shape of the eye and/ or the lens and can often be present in conjunction with Astigmatism. Hyperopia is not just a function of the aging of the lens. Farsightedness usually is present at birth and tends to run in families. This condition can easily be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses or Laser Correction Surgery such as LASIK or PRK.
Hyperopia Causes & Risk factors
Farsightedness is due to the eye not bending light properly, so it focuses in front of the back of the eye or the cornea has too little curvature. Hereditary factors often control the growth and development of the eye.
Hyperopia Symptoms & Detection
Common signs of hyperopia include difficulty concentrating and maintaining a clear focus on near objects, eye strain, fatigue and/or headaches after close work, aching or burning eyes, and irritability or nervousness after sustained concentration.
Detection
Children may not realize their vision is blurry, so they need to be screened for eye disease and have their vision tested by our eye doctors. Common vision screenings, like the ones done in schools, often don’t detect hyperopia however, a comprehensive eye examination will include the necessary testing to diagnose hyperopia.
Hyperopia Treatment
Farsightedness can easily be treated with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses that alter the way the light enters the eyes, allowing you to clearly see close objects.
