Farsightedness / hyperopia treatment

1 of 1 results

Sort by

About Farsightedness

Farsightedness - hyperopia - is a common condition that affects vision. If you are farsighted, you are able to see objects that are far away clearer than objects that are close. This refractive error is caused by an eyeball that is too short or the cornea is too flat. These factors result in the eye under-focusing incoming light, leading to a blurred image in the retina.

The symptoms of farsightedness include:


  • Nearby objects appear blurry or out of focus
  • Difficulty with reading
  • Squinting to see clearly
  • Eyestrain: A dull pain, or burning sensation in the eyes
  • Headaches

Farsightedness affects 5-10% of Americans. It is especially common in children (many of whom outgrow the condition) and adults over the age of 65. Over half of adults over the age of 65 have some degree of farsightedness, due to the natural aging of the eye’s lens. Farsightedness is usually inherited through genetics, meaning that if your parents are farsighted, you are more likely to be farsighted yourself.

Farsightedness is usually diagnosed through an eye exam performed by an eye care provider, such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist. If you notice that you or your child is experiencing vision problems, or are unable to perform daily tasks, talk to an eye care specialist. Even if your symptoms of farsightedness are mild, the condition can lead to complications such as crossed eyes, persistent headaches, and eyestrain if left untreated.

Treatment for farsightedness will depend on your age and the severity of your condition. Below are common options to reduce and manage the symptoms of farsightedness. Younger children may require no treatment at all, as they may grow out of farsightedness.

During your appointment, talk to your eye care provider about treatment options, and the best plan for you.

Prescription lenses are the simplest, most common methods of treating refractive errors. The exact prescription of the lens will depend on the severity of your farsightedness, and any discrepancies in vision between your two eyes. The most common prescription lenses are:

- Eyeglasses: The lenses in eyeglasses will adjust how light enters your eye. By correcting a flat cornea, or a shorter-than-normal eyeball, eyeglasses can help reduce the blurring of nearby objects.

- Contact lenses: Contacts are placed directly on the eye. These lenses correct how light bends and enters the eye, improving blurred vision. Contact lenses are available in several different materials and designs. Not every contact lens is right for every eye, however. During your appointment, talk to your eye care provider about the different types of contact lenses, contact lens care, and what type of lens is best for you.

Surgery to correct a refractive error is usually an elective procedure that you can choose to undergo. Refractive surgery is generally performed with a laser and re-shapes the curvature of the eye to correct any errors in the lens or cornea. The most common types of refractive surgeries are laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), and Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). These procedures can be expensive and require several days of recovery time. However, they can significantly reduce or eliminate the need for corrective lenses. Talk to your eye care provider about the pros and cons of refractive surgery.

Filter
Availability
  1. Home
  2. Farsightedness
  3. Lehigh Acres, FL
Join our mailing list for exclusive promos, curated health content & more.
Refer a friend
FacebookXLinkedIn
© 2025 Sesame, Inc. All rights reserved.