Farsightedness

Farsightedness, also known as hyperopia or hypermetropia, is a common refractive error in which near objects are harder to focus on than distant ones. It occurs when the eye is too short relative to its optical power or when the cornea has too little curvature, causing light to focus behind the retina when the eye is relaxed. Some hyperopia is present at birth and may lessen as the eye grows during childhood, but some individuals retain it into adulthood.

Symptoms and signs vary with age and the degree of hyperopia. Many young children compensate with accommodation and may not notice vision problems, but higher hyperopia or excessive strain can cause blurred near vision, eye strain, headaches, and difficulty with tasks such as reading or handwriting. In children, uncorrected hyperopia can contribute to strabismus (eye misalignment) or amblyopia (lazy eye) if not addressed.

Diagnosis is made through a comprehensive eye examination, including refraction tests to determine the required corrective power. Cycloplegic refraction may be used, particularly in children, to temporarily relax the eye’s focusing muscles and reveal true hyperopia.

Treatment typically involves corrective lenses that increase the eye’s focusing power. This usually means eyeglasses or contact lenses with convex (plus) lenses. In adults, near tasks may be aided with reading glasses or progressive lenses. Refractive surgery, such as LASIK or PRK, and lens-based options (including implantable lenses) may be suitable for selected individuals with adequate corneal thickness and overall eye health. Early detection in children is important to reduce risks of amblyopia and improve visual development. Regular eye examinations help determine the appropriate correction and monitoring over time.