Long-sightedness (Hyperopia)

Long-sightedness, also known as hyperopia, is a common vision condition in which close objects appear blurry due to the shape of the eye or the age-related decline in the flexibility of the lens. It occurs when the eyeball is too short or the cornea is too flat, causing light entering the eye to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it.

Symptoms

• Difficulty seeing objects up close, such as reading or sewing
• Headaches or eye strain from prolonged near work
• Blurred vision at near distances, which may improve with distance
• Aching eyes or fatigue after performing tasks that require near vision
• Difficulty maintaining focus on close objects for extended periods
• In children, long-sightedness can lead to crossed eyes (strabismus) or lazy eye (amblyopia)

Causes and Risk Factors

Long-sightedness is often inherited and can be present at birth. Other risk factors include:

• Age: Hyperopia tends to increase with age due to the lens's reduced ability to focus
• Genetics: Family history of hyperopia increases the likelihood of developing the condition
• Pregnancy and childbirth: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect vision, including long-sightedness
• Certain medical conditions: Diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions can contribute to the development of hyperopia

Treatments

Treatment options for long-sightedness aim to improve near vision by refracting (bending) light properly onto the retina. The most common treatments include:

• Glasses or Contact Lenses: Corrective lenses can refract light correctly, improving near vision. Glasses are a simple and effective solution, while contact lenses offer an alternative for those who prefer not to wear glasses.
• Refractive Surgery: Surgical procedures like LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), and LASEK (Laser-Assisted Subepithelial Keratomileusis) can reshape the cornea to improve the focus of light on the retina.
• Implantable Lenses: In some cases, implantable lenses like phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs) or refractive lens exchange may be recommended for severe hyperopia or when other treatments are not suitable.
• Atropine Therapy: For children with significant hyperopia, atropine eye drops can be used to dilate the pupils and temporarily correct vision. This treatment is often used in conjunction with patching therapy to treat amblyopia.
• Orthokeratology (OK): A non-surgical procedure that involves wearing a specialized contact lens overnight to reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts.

Complications and Prevention

If left untreated, long-sightedness can lead to complications such as:

• Amblyopia (lazy eye) in children
• Strabismus (crossed eyes)
• Increased risk of glaucoma and cataracts
• Eyestrain and headaches from prolonged near work

Regular eye exams can help detect long-sightedness early, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of potential complications. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, can also support overall eye health.