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Hyperopia
Hyperopia is better known as farsightedness. It is a very common type of
refractive error that results in objects viewed close up appearing blurry,
whereas objects viewed at a distant remain clear. The extent to which an
individual is farsighted determines at what distance objects viewed close
up become blurry. Severe hyperopia may result in seeing objects clearly
only if they are at great distances away.
Farsightedness is often present at birth; however, most young people don't
realize they have it. When young, the lenses of the eyes are typically
able to compensate for the limitations of the condition, as their lenses
are very flexible. Corrective lenses are not required at young ages, but
as the individual grows older and the lenses become increasingly rigid
with age, corrective lenses are required.
What is Hyperopia?
The cornea (clear front surface of the eye) and the lens (clear structure
in the eye) are the parts of the eye responsible for focusing images. In
healthy eyes, these structures are smooth and effectively refract incoming
light to form sharp images on the retina, at the back of the eye. When the
lens or cornea isn't smooth, hyperopia can result. When the cornea isn't
curved enough, or the eye is shorter in length than normal, incoming light
is refracted behind the retina instead of on it. The result is a blurred
image of objects that are up close.
Hyperopia is a type of refractive error. Other refractive errors include
myopia (nearsightedness), where images are focused in front of the retina
instead of on it, and astigmatism, which is also caused by abnormally
shaped corneas or lenses.
Are you at risk?
Some degree of hyperopia is usually present at birth. Farsightedness tends
to run in families, and can be easily diagnosed through routine eye
examinations. Signs that hyperopia are present include an inability to see
close up objects clearly, a need to squint in order to see objects close
up clearly, eyestrain that results in headaches or aching eyes, and an
overall discomfort when reading or engaging in other close up work.
Diagnosing Hyperopia
An eye doctor can easily diagnose hyperopia through routine eye exams. For
those adults with no history of eye disease or conditions, eye exams
should be carried out at the following intervals:
- Once or more between ages 20 and 39
- At 2 to 4 year intervals from ages 40 to 64
- Yearly or every 2 years after age 65
Those adults who wear eyeglasses or contact lenses to address vision
problems should have eye exams once each year, and ensure that their lens
prescription is kept up to date.
Kids and Adolescents should undergo eye examinations at the following
intervals:
- Before reaching 3 months of age
- Between 6 months and 1 year of age
- At 3 years of age
- At 5 years of age
Parents should watch for any signs of vision difficulties in their
children. These can include squinting, sitting very close to the TV,
trouble reading or writing, and an apparent unawareness of objects or
people that are far away.
Buy contact
lenses and other vision products online and save up to 70%!
Resources: Get detailed facts about
hyperopia from the American Optometric
Association. Learn what the FDA has to say about
correcting
hyperopia and laser surgery.
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