What is Hyperopia?
Hyperopia, commonly known as farsightedness, is a refractive condition where close objects appear blurry, while distant objects are often seen more clearly. This happens when light entering the eye focuses behind the retina instead of directly on it. Hyperopia can lead to difficulties in reading, prolonged close work, and eye strain.
Signs and Symptoms
Blurred Close-Up Vision
Individuals with hyperopia often struggle to focus on objects up close, such as when reading a book or using a smartphone. Distant vision may remain clear.
Eye Strain and Fatigue
Prolonged tasks like reading or screentime may cause discomfort or fatigue in the eyes, especially without corrective lenses.
Headaches After Close Work
Due to the extra effort needed to maintain focus, hyperopic individuals may experience headaches, especially after extended near-vision activities.
Learning or Reading Issues in Children
Undiagnosed hyperopia in children can lead to reading difficulties, attention issues, or poor performance in school due to visual strain.
Detection and Prevention
Hyperopia is commonly diagnosed through a routine eye examination, including a refraction test and an eye health check. Young children need to be screened, as hyperopia can go unnoticed. While there's no way to prevent hyperopia from developing, early detection and correction help avoid complications like permanent vision loss (amblyopia) or eye strain.
Did you know hyperopia in children is often undetected until it affects school performance?
Treatment Options
Corrective lenses such as glasses or contact lenses are the most common treatments for hyperopia. These lenses help focus light directly onto the retina, improving near vision and helping reduce the eyes turning inward and squinting. In adult years, hyperopia eventually causes blurred near and distance vision which is most commonly easily corrected by consulting an optometrist. In certain cases, refractive surgery and implantable lenses may be an option for adults who qualify to reduce hyperopia. Children with significant hyperopia may require glasses to support learning and eye development.
Managing Hyperopia
Managing hyperopia effectively includes regular eye exams, particularly for school-aged children and those with symptoms. Early correction ensures proper development and reduces strain. Vision therapy may be recommended in some cases to assist with focusing and coordination issues associated with high hyperopia.