Conditions

Hyperopia

Learn about farsightedness, a vision condition where distant objects appear clear.

What is Hyperopia?

Hyperopia, also known as hypermetropia or farsightedness, is a condition that affects near vision. Blurry near vision occurs when the eye has an irregular shape, which causes light to be refracted incorrectly. Often hyperopia is managed with contact lenses and glasses, but it can be treated with surgery.
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Symptoms

Mild symptoms of hyperopia will often appear in children. Optometrists may recommend glasses and contact lenses as well as monitoring the condition. Symptoms include:
Parents often notice an increase in these symptoms when children are working on homework or reading, as the reduced vision leads to greater strain on the eyes.

Causes

Hyperopia occurs when the eye is too short or the cornea is too flat. Light passing through the eye lands behind the retina, leading to blurry vision. Like myopia, this is a refractive error. Many children experience hyperopia temporarily. As the eye grows, it may go through a stage in which it is too short, leading to these problems with near vision. In many cases, they will grow out of it but for others, it will require management or treatment.

Treatments

Hyperopia can often be effectively managed with glasses and contact lenses. Your optometrist will calculate your prescription and manage the progression of farsightedness to see if any changes need to be made.

If the vision loss caused by hyperopia is more severe, surgical treatment offers a permanent solution. Laser eye surgery (LASIK and LASEK) can be used to change the shape of the cornea, correcting the eye’s refractive error. Refractive lens exchange (RLE) on the other hand can replace the eye’s natural lens with an artificial one, refocusing light onto the retina. Implantable lens surgery is another option that inserts an artificial lens into the eye (alongside the natural one) that acts like a permanent contact lens.

All of these options offer an effective and usually permanent solution to hyperopia.

If you are facing any concerns? We're here to help!

Our experts can assist you in booking an appointment to discuss the most suitable treatment options for your specific needs.