Hyperopia (Farsightedness) Symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment

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On July 21, 2020

What Is Hyperopia or Hypermetropia or Farsightedness?

Far-sightedness, also known as hypermetropia or hyperopia, is a condition of the eye in which light is focused behind, instead of on, the retina. This results in close objects appearing blurry, while far objects may appear normal. As the condition worsens, objects at all distances may be blurry. Other symptoms may include headaches and eye strain. People may also experience accommodative dysfunction, binocular dysfunction, amblyopia, and strabismus.

The cause is an imperfection of the eyes. Often it occurs when the eyeball is too short, or the lens or cornea is misshapen. Risk factors include a family history of the condition, diabetes, certain medications, and tumors around the eye. It is a type of refractive error. Diagnosis is based on an eye exam.

Management can occur with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Glasses are easiest while contact lenses can provide a wider field of vision. Surgery works by changing the shape of the cornea. Far-sightedness primarily affects young children, with rates of 8% at 6 years and 1% at 15 years. It then becomes more common again after the age of 40, affecting about half of people.

Hyperopia Causes:

As hyperopia results from the visual image being focused behind the retina, it has two main causes:

Low converging power of eye lens because of weak action of ciliary muscles
Abnormal shape of the cornea

Far-sightedness is often present from birth, but children have a very flexible eye lens, which helps to compensate. In rare instances hyperopia can be due to diabetes, and problems with the blood vessels in the retina.

Hyperopia Symptoms

You may have:

Trouble focusing on nearby objects
Headaches
Blurry vision
Eye strain
Fatigue or headache after you do a close-up task such as reading

If you have these symptoms when you wear glasses or contacts, you may need a new prescription.

Hyperopia Diagnosis

All it takes to diagnose farsightedness is a basic eye exam. Your doctor will have you read a chart across the room. If that test shows hyperopia, they’ll use a device called a retinoscope to look at how light reflects off your retina. They’ll also use a phoropter – a testing device — to help them decide on the best prescription for glasses or contacts.

Adult eye exams

The American Academy of Ophthalmology says adults who haven’t had vision problems should get an eye exam at age 40. Have eye tests every 2 to 4 years between ages 40 and 54. Between 55 and 64, get tested every 1 to 3 years. If you’re 65 and older, get tested every 1 to 2 years.

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease, don’t wait until you’re 40 to have an eye exam. Your doctor also might want you to come in more often.

Children’s eye exams

Experts recommend that infants have their eye health checked when they’re between 6 months and 1 year old. Children should also have vision tests between ages 3 and 3½, before they start school, and every 1 to 2 years after.

Hyperopia Treatment

For clear vision, you might need:

Glasses
Contact lenses
Vision correction surgery such as LASIK

With farsightedness, your prescription is a positive number, such as +3.00. The higher the number, the stronger the lenses.

Talk to your eye doctor about your options, how well they work, and what’s involved.

Does Hyperopia Get Better Over Time?

It’s normal for your eyes to change as you get older. Adults over 40 who are farsighted often need reading glasses earlier in life. Eventually, you may also need glasses or contacts to help you see better at a distance.

Hyperopia Complications

Adults don’t usually have complications from hyperopia. Some children may have problems such as:

Lazy eye (amblyopia)
Eyes that aren’t aligned (strabismus)
Delays in development
Learning problems.