Hyperopia

Hyperopia, commonly known as farsightedness, is a common vision condition where distant objects are seen more clearly than those that are close up. This occurs when the eyeball is too short or the cornea has too little curvature, causing light to focus behind the retina rather than directly on it. As a result, close-up tasks like reading, writing, or using a smartphone can become challenging.

Causes and Risk Factors Hyperopia is often present from birth and can be hereditary. It may also become more noticeable as you age, particularly after the age of 40, when the eye’s natural lens begins to lose its flexibility. While hyperopia is less common than myopia (nearsightedness), it can affect people of all ages.

Symptoms of Hyperopia If you have hyperopia, you might experience:

• Blurry vision when focusing on close objects
• Eye strain or discomfort after prolonged periods of reading or screen time
• Headaches, especially after close-up work
• Difficulty with tasks that require detailed vision, like threading a needle or reading small print

Diagnosis and Treatment Hyperopia is usually diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. If you’re diagnosed with hyperopia, several effective treatment options can help you see clearly:

• Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses: These correct the way light enters your eyes, helping to focus images directly on the retina for clear vision.
• Refractive Surgery: Procedures like LASIK or PRK can reshape the cornea, providing a more permanent solution to hyperopia.