About Farsightedness (Hyperopia) - Common Vision Problems
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is the exact opposite of myopia. People with hyperopia can see clearly at a distance but have difficulty focusing on objects up close. While mostly considered genetic, hyperopia can develop as a person ages, even if he or she has no previous history of vision problems. The good news is that hyperopia is easily treated with assorted methods to enable you to see clearly at all distances.
Hyperopia Symptoms and Diagnosis
If you are considered farsighted, you will have difficulty seeing things that are close to you. However, you may not notice this right away. Those affected by hyperopia may complain about their eyes being sore or tired when they watch TV, read, or write. This can be a sign of hyperopia. Since the eyes can't focus on objects close up, the lens will try to compensate for the hyperopia. However, after a while, the lens will be unable to continue adjusting and other steps should be taken to correct your vision. While a visual acuity test is a quick way to diagnose myopia (nearsightedness), it's not that simple for farsightedness. A thorough eye examination by a qualified ophthalmologist is necessary to diagnose hyperopia and rule out any other eye diseases or disorders.
Hyperopia Treatment Options
Once your ophthalmologist determines the degree of your hyperopia, treatment options will be discussed to best fit your condition and lifestyle. Most hyperopia patients opt for the tried-and-true option of eyeglasses or contact lenses. Many prefer this method due to its non-invasive nature and its flexibility if your vision fluctuates and you require a change in your prescription. Patients with more stabilized vision may lean toward refractive surgery, a good option if you are ready to do away with eyeglasses or contact lenses. LASIK surgery is the most popular procedure, where the cornea is reshaped with an excimer laser to give you clearer vision. Other refractive surgery procedures that can treat hyperopia include PRK, LASEK, and CK.