Hyperopia (Farsightedness) Glasses
Does you or a loved one find it challenging to see objects at a close distance, such as reading a book or checking your phone? If you are experiencing this, your optometrist may check your vision for hyperopia. Hyperopia or farsightedness is a condition that affects your ability to see objects at a close distance. How do farsightedness or hyperopia glasses help improve vision, and what lens options are available? Learn more in this guide.
How Do Glasses Correct Farsightedness?
In individuals with hyperopia, light falls behind the retina due to issues such as the eye being shorter or the cornea being too flat. Farsightedness glasses use convex lenses, which are thicker in the centre, to bend light rays inward. This focuses light on the retina, helping individuals have a clearer vision of near objects.
Hyperopia lenses are sometimes called plus lenses because their prescription value is given with a plus sign, such as +1.00. A higher number means a stronger correction is needed.
Types of Lenses for Hyperopia Glasses
Depending on your eye condition, your optometrist may recommend different types of lenses for hyperopia glasses, such as:
Single-vision Convex Lenses
Single-vision lenses correct one refractive error. In farsightedness glasses, the type of lenses used is convex lenses. Their distinctive shape, thicker in the centre and narrowing toward the edges, helps converge light properly to the retina. Convex lenses are made from various materials such as glass or transparent plastic with different surface curvatures and designs.
Bifocal Lenses
Bifocal lenses are corrective lenses with two prescriptions within them, separated by a visible line.
They may be prescribed for people who have hyperopia along with one other eye condition, such as presbyopia. The advantage of bifocal lenses is that you can address both types of vision needs in one pair of glasses.
Progressive Lenses
Progressive lenses, also called varifocals, are lenses designed to help improve vision clarity at all distances. Unlike bifocal lenses, progressive lenses offer a smoother transition between different prescription powers. They have three areas of correction in the same lens:
- The upper area improves distance vision, such as driving
- The middle area improves intermediate vision, such as for computer use
- The lower area improves near vision, such as for reading
How to Get the Perfect Fit
Even if you have had an eye exam to get the prescription you need, you still need to ensure that your farsighted glasses have the right fit. Glasses that do not fit properly are uncomfortable and may compromise your eyesight. Here are some steps you can take to ensure the perfect fit:
1. Get a Professional Fitting
It is best to have your glasses fitted by a professional optician, as they can get precise measurements of your face, including your pupillary distance (PD), nose bridge, and temple length, tailoring your glasses to your unique facial features.
2. Adjust the Nose Pads
If you choose farsightedness glasses with adjustable nose pads, they should sit snugly on your nose without pinching or sliding off. For a quick check, see if the nose pads sit evenly on both sides of your nose. Visit your optician for adjustments if the nose pads leave marks or feel too tight.
3. Check the Frame Width
Glasses frames that are too wide can slip, while those that are too narrow can cause discomfort on your temples. Your optician will help ensure the width of your glasses matches the width of your face. This means the arms should run back to your ears, aligning with your facial structure without gaps.
4. Ensure Secure Lens Placement
The lenses of your glasses should align with your eyes. Having them too high or too low can strain your eyes. When trying out different eyeglasses, look straight ahead to check whether your eyes are centred in the lenses.
5. Check the Temple Fit
The temples or arms of your glasses should gently fit around your head without pinching, resting comfortably over your ears and without exerting pressure. If they feel too tight or loose, get them adjusted for a better fit.
6. Perform Regular Maintenance
Perfectly fitted hyperopia glasses can lose their shape or get dirty over time due to frequent wear. You can wipe the nose pads and hinges regularly or get them adjusted at your optician to keep them in good condition.
Start Your Hyperopia Management Journey with Philip D. Izaac
Farsightedness glasses help manage your hyperopia and potentially help you see objects from a close distance with better clarity. By having your eyes checked by a trusted optometrist, you can understand the exact level of your farsightedness and get glasses that are prescribed with the right power.
Looking for a reputable and qualified optometrist to address your hyperopia? Philip D. Izaac is an optometrist in Singapore that can help assess your eye condition with comprehensive eye exams. We also offer a wide range of quality and fashionable eyewear that supports your daily vision while ensuring that you find the one that suits your personal style. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!