What is Hyperopia

Hyperopia is also called farsightedness. This is when you can clearly see objects that are far away from you, but you have trouble seeing objects that are close to you.

What are the causes?

Hyperopia is caused by having an abnormal eye shape that affects how the eye bends (refracts) light. You may have:

• An eye that is not completely round.
• An eye that is shorter than normal.
• A clear front surface of the eye (cornea) that is too flat.

Generally, the cause of these eye abnormalities is not known. In some cases, they may be passed from parent to child (inherited).

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to develop in people who have parents with hyperopia.

What are the signs or symptoms?

The main symptom of this condition is having difficulty seeing objects that are viewed from a short distance, such as when reading a book. Other symptoms may include:

• Headaches when reading or focusing up close.
• Eye strain or aches.
• Squinting.

People with mild hyperopia may have no symptoms until they get older.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on your medical history and a physical exam. An eye specialist (optometrist or ophthalmologist) will test your vision. This will involve placing a series of lenses in front of your eye and having you read a chart.

How is this treated?

Treatment is focused on improving your vision. This may involve:

• Wearing glasses or contact lenses to help you see clearly.
• Refractive surgery, which changes the shape of your cornea to correct vision.

Follow these instructions at home:

• If you are prescribed glasses or contact lenses, wear them as told by your health care provider. Keep in mind that it may take up to 2 weeks for your eyes to adjust to new prescription lenses.
• If your vision is blurry, do not drive or use heavy machinery. You may need to wear prescription glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision whenever you drive or use heavy machinery.
• Get an eye exam at least once a year.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your symptoms get worse.
• You have new symptoms.

Get help right away if:

• You have sudden, severe pain and reduced vision in one or both eyes.

Summary

• Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is when you can clearly see objects that are far away from you, but you have trouble seeing objects that are close to you.
• Hyperopia is caused by having an abnormal eye shape that affects how the eye bends (refracts) light.
• This condition may be diagnosed based on your medical history, a physical exam, or a vision test by an eye specialist (optometrist or ophthalmologist).
• Treatment is focused on improving your vision with contact lenses, glasses, or refractive surgery.