Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
What is Hyperopia?
Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, is an eye condition where you can see objects that are far away, but nearby objects appear blurry in contrast. Hyperopia may be present in both children and adults.
What Causes Hyperopia?
Hyperopia may happen as part of either of the following eye conditions.
- Having an eye that is “shorter” than usual (from front to back)
- Having a flat cornea that refracts light past the retina
Normally, as light enters the eye, it is focused by both the cornea and lens, refracting the light onto the retina at the back of the eye. The retina converts the light into signals that are transmitted to the brain, and these signals are perceived as images. With hyperopia, the changes to your eye or cornea’s shape cause the light to be improperly focused. This makes the light “fall behind” the retina, and your vision appears blurry as a result.
The exact cause of hyperopia is not fully understood, but it is known to be a hereditary condition. If your parents have hyperopia, you may be at higher risk of inheriting the condition.
Symptoms of Hyperopia
Apart from blurry vision when looking at nearby objects, other symptoms of hyperopia include:
- Nighttime fatigue
- Reduced vision at night
- Squinting to see nearby objects
- Double vision when reading
- Eyestrain
Children may not be aware that they have blurry vision, so regular eye screenings can help detect and treat hyperopia early. If you notice your child squinting frequently, rubbing their eyes often, or suddenly seeming uninterested in reading or drawing, it may be a sign of vision difficulties, which may include hyperopia. Consider visiting our clinic for a comprehensive eye exam.
Complications of Hyperopia
Children may be at higher risk of untreated hyperopia, which can cause complications such as lazy eye (amblyopia, where only one eye has clear vision) or crossed eyes (strabismus, where both eyes are looking in different directions). Hyperopia may also lead to uncomfortable symptoms that can affect your daily activities, such as frequent eyestrain and headaches. It is helpful to consult your optometrist for additional guidance on managing hyperopia.
Diagnosing Hyperopia
A standard eye exam is performed to diagnose your hyperopia. An optometrist will carefully examine your eyes using various instruments to determine your overall eye health. They may ask questions relating to your eye health to understand your eye condition and help them come up with a treatment plan.
Part of the assessment involves a visual acuity test that determines your vision from different distances. During this test, you will read letters and numbers of differing sizes on an eye chart while covering one eye. Your optometrist may also use an instrument called a phoropter, which places several lenses in front of your eyes to determine your hyperopia prescription. Other diagnostic tests may also help to identify complications, such as glaucoma.
A refraction test may also be performed to assess how light bends when moving through the cornea and the lens. This test will determine the extent of your hyperopia and allow the optometrist to determine the type of lenses you will need to correct the condition.
If you have a child, regular check-ups can help monitor their changing vision. Ideally, their first eye exam should start before the age of one. Subsequent screenings every two years may be beneficial for identifying early signs of hyperopia and facilitating prompt treatment.
Treatment of Hyperopia
There are several treatment options to treat hyperopia.
Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses
Eyeglasses redirect light onto the retina to correct hyperopia, ensuring light is correctly focused onto the retina. Most people only need to wear these when performing certain activities, such as reading or driving. However, others with more severe hyperopia may need to wear them all the time. Single-vision eyeglasses are commonly prescribed for hyperopia, though bifocal or multifocal lenses are recommended to accommodate different vision levels.
Contact lenses function similarly to eyeglasses, but are small, disc-shaped objects placed directly on the cornea. Like eyeglasses, contacts come in different types to help different levels of hyperopia. Most people may prefer contacts since they do not need to worry about damaging the lenses while engaging in physical activities like sports. However, contact lenses still require regular care, and certain activities may cause the lenses to fall out. Cleaning them frequently is also essential to reduce the risk of eye infections.
Orthokeratology
Also known as ortho-K, this treatment method uses specially designed rigid contact lenses that you wear overnight. The lenses apply gentle pressure to reshape the cornea as you sleep, allowing light to refract onto the retina correctly. The ortho-K lenses are worn overnight, making them a suitable choice for those who lead active lifestyles. However, the benefits of ortho-K are temporary and require regular overnight use to maintain results.
Start Your Hyperopia Management Journey with Philip D. Izaac
Early eye screenings are crucial for detecting hyperopia, providing necessary vision correction, and reducing the risk of future complications. At Philip D. Izaac, comprehensive vision care is essential to allow you to enjoy your favourite activities with friends and loved ones. Contact us today to find out more about our services.