Hyperopia (Farsightedness)

Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, is a common vision condition in which close objects appear blurry due to the shape of the eye or the length of the eyeball. In hyperopia, the eyeball is shorter than normal or the cornea is too flat, causing light entering the eye to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it.

Symptoms

• Blurred vision when looking at close objects, such as reading or sewing
• Eye strain or fatigue after prolonged periods of near work, such as reading or using a computer
• Headaches or eye discomfort after performing tasks that require focused attention on close objects
• Difficulty seeing objects clearly up close, but being able to see distant objects more clearly
• Squinting or rubbing the eyes to try to see more clearly
• Difficulty with night driving due to reduced visibility of road signs and other objects

Causes and Risk Factors

Hyperopia is often inherited, but it can also be caused by:

• Aging: Hyperopia can occur as part of the natural aging process, with symptoms becoming more noticeable after age 40
• Genetics: Family history plays a significant role in the development of hyperopia
• Premature birth: Babies born prematurely are at higher risk for developing hyperopia
• Other medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or Down syndrome, can increase the risk of developing hyperopia

Treatments and Correction Options

Treatment options for hyperopia depend on the severity of the condition and may include:

• Glasses or Contact Lenses: Corrective lenses can refract (bend) light properly, allowing it to focus directly on the retina. Glasses or contact lenses with a plus power (+) are used to correct hyperopia.
• Refractive Surgery: Surgical procedures, such as LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), and LASEK (Laser-Assisted Subepithelial Keratomileusis), can reshape the cornea to improve vision.
• Implantable Lenses: In some cases, implantable lenses, such as phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs) or refractive lens exchange, may be used to correct hyperopia.
• Orthokeratology (OK): A non-surgical procedure that uses a specialized contact lens to reshape the cornea while sleeping, allowing for clear vision during the day without glasses or contacts.

Complications and Associated Conditions

Untreated hyperopia can lead to:

• Amblyopia (lazy eye): Reduced vision in one eye due to prolonged lack of proper focus
• Squinting or strabismus: Abnormal alignment of the eyes, which can lead to double vision or other vision problems
• Eye strain and headaches: Prolonged near work without proper correction can cause eye discomfort and headaches

Regular eye exams are essential for detecting hyperopia and other vision problems early on. If you suspect you have hyperopia, consult an eye care professional for a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss the best course of treatment.