What Is Farsightedness?

Farsightedness, also known as hyperopia, is a common condition where people struggle to see nearby objects. People with this problem often won’t have any problems seeing distant objects, but they may have difficulty reading a book or using a computer, for example. At the advanced stage of farsightedness, nearby objects will also become blurry. Farsightedness affects about 5% to 10% of Americans.

Symptoms

People can experience farsightedness in different ways. It is also possible that some people with farsightedness will not notice anything wrong with their vision.

The most common sign of hyperopia is that nearby objects will appear blurry, and people with farsightedness often notice this when performing simple tasks such as reading or using a computer.

Performing tasks with nearby objects will force the eye muscles to work harder with people with farsightedness, and also lead to the appearance of other symptoms, including:

• Headaches
• Stare to see something clearly
• Eye strain that can cause burning and itching
• Dull pain in the eye

Farsightedness is one of the most common eye problems that affect children. Most babies have farsightedness at birth, but less than 4% of children have this condition at age 1.1 In most cases, the eyes correct themselves and farsightedness babies begin to see clearly even before parents notice that they have any vision problems.

However, some signs indicate that farsightedness has not disappeared. Parents may notice some red flags, such as eye strain or if the child has learning problems. It is also possible that children after sight do not notice symptoms because other parts of their visual organs are able to compensate for changes, at least temporarily. Problems such as lazy eyes and strabismus.

Causes

In the ideal eye, light bends (refracted) as it enters the eye and passes through two different parts: first, the cornea, the cap in the front of the eye, and then the lens, a transparent piece that focuses light deeper into the eye . Light forms a focal point on the retina, a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye. The retina will send information to the brain and produce the images we see.

In some cases, such as farsightedness, light enters the eye differently, causing refractive errors where images are focused behind the retina rather than directly on them. Farsightedness often occurs when the cornea has an abnormal shape (too short or too flat) or when the eye muscles weaken with age.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made with an expanded eye test. The exam will identify the problem and determine the seriousness of each case. People should make an appointment to see an ophthalmologist or optometriist when they notice symptoms of farsightedness. It is also important to note that almost everyone has increased farsightedness, which usually begins in the late thirties to mid-forties.5 Even if there are no symptoms, it is important to schedule an eye exam every two years.

During the examination, the ophthalmologist will use drops to widen the eye and increase the size of the pupil. They then use a magnifying glass to examine the back of the eye. This process will allow the optometrist or ophthalmologist to identify the problem and the best way to correct it

Treatment

• Milestone is a common problem and is often easy to treat. Doctors will usually recommend corrective lenses or refractive surgery.

Eyeglasses

• The easiest and most common way to correct farsightedness is to wear prescription glasses. Convex lenses will increase refraction and correct hyperopia. After the examination, the ophthalmologist will be able to tell the best type of glasses for the case and explain how to wear them.

Contact lenses

• Contact lenses are another popular solution for farsightedness. They change refraction in the same way as glasses. However, not everyone can wear them, especially if there are other problems with the eye system.

Refractive surgery

• A number of surgeries can correct different types of refractive errors, with the doctor often reshaping the cornea to improve the ability to focus or insert the lens into the eye. Surgery to correct hyperopia will give the cornea a steeper shape. As a result, focused images will be pulled out of the retina, due to a short eye or flat cornea, near or on the retina immediately after surgery.

Laser on-site corneal correction (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) are the most common options for hyperopia. Even with surgery, the condition may return after several years. These procedures are not recommended for everyone. Some of the problems that make this surgery unsuitable for severe eye surgery, a very thin cornea, and people with uncontrolled diabetes.

A word from Ibsar Specialized Center

Farsightedness is a common problem. It is often easy to manage, but it cannot be prevented. The eye muscles tend to weaken over the years, and it is necessary to examine your eyes every few years, even if there are no symptoms of farsightedness or other eye problems. If sudden changes in vision occur, consult a doctor immediately.