Farsightedness (Hyperopia)


Hyperopia, unlike normal vision, occurs when the cornea is too flat in relation to the length of the eye. This causes light to focus at a point beyond the retina, resulting in blurry close vision and occasionally blurry distance vision as well. Usually this condition is undetected until later in life because the young eye is able to compensate for the hyperopia by contracting the internal lens of the eye.

FAQ


What Are the Symptoms of Hyperopia?

Do you have difficulty reading things up close? Do they look blurry or distorted? Can you see well in the distance?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’re not alone; farsightedness affects 5 to 10% of Americans. You may be experiencing farsightedness, also known as hyperopia.

If you can’t see right in front of you, there is a chance you are experiencing other symptoms you haven’t attributed to hyperopia. Some symptoms of hyperopia are squinting, headaches, eye strain, and trouble concentrating—just to name a few. The more frequently you’re experiencing these symptoms, the sooner you should make an eye appointment. 

Causes of Hyperopia

  • Heredity

Who is an Ideal Candidate for Hyperopia Treatment?

Often hyperopia mainly affects adults over 45 but can also affect children. If anyone is struggling with hyperopia, there is a solution.

Children and adults of all ages are the ideal candidates for hyperopia treatment. Often, contacts and glasses are used to treat the vision of children and adults.

Glasses have a curved lens that fixes the error in the curve of the eye, which causes hyperopia. This option is the least expensive and most common route.

What Are the Causes of Hyperopia?

Unfortunately, you can’t prevent hyperopia from happening. It occurs naturally within the eyes. For example, the cornea of your eye, which is the front transparent layer, has a natural curve to it. When it is not curved enough, this can cause hyperopia. On the other hand, someone’s eye can be too short—another common cause.

What Does Treatment of Hyperopia Look Like?

There are a couple main ways to treat hyperopia. Depending on your daily needs, one treatment may be a better option than another.

First, children and adults can quickly fix hyperopia using corrective lenses like contacts or glasses. Glasses and contact prescriptions are chosen carefully so that the corrective lens is bent in a way that corrects the hyperopia. 

Secondly, you could have LASIK surgery. The surgeon fixes the eyes by reshaping the corneas in a way that allows the patient to see clearly without glasses or contacts. We can determine your candidacy for LASIK and help you decide if it’s right for you. Your dependance on glasses should be reduced significantly after LASIK.

What Happens if Hyperopia is Left Untreated?

If you don’t get LASIK or glasses, then you will continue to experience poor near vision. Many people who are trying to see up close will squint or strain their eyes in an attempt to see better, which doesn’t actually help. Untreated hyperopia may lead to headaches, poor concentration, difficulty reading, and other problems. For your quality of life, overall well-being, and safety, you should seek treatment if you are farsighted. 

Diagnosing Hyperopia

Many people are not diagnosed with hyperopia without a complete eye exam. School screenings typically do not detect this condition because they test only for distance vision. Your eye doctor can conduct a refractive evaluation to determine whether your eyes focus light rays exactly on the retina at distance and near. A visual acuity test will determine your ability to see sharply and clearly at all distances. Your eye doctor will also check your eye coordination and muscle control, as well as your eyes’ ability to change focus. All of these are important factors in how your eyes see.

Treatment of Hyperopia

Glasses and contact lenses are used by many for the temporary treatment of hyperopia. However, there are a number of vision correction procedures that can surgically reduce or eliminate hyperopia.


SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT



If you would like to learn more about Farsightedness (Hyperopia) call 1-800-244-9907 to make an appointment at Central Valley Eye Medical Group.

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