Hyperopi

Hyperopia, commonly known as farsightedness, is a refractive error where distant objects are seen clearly, but close objects appear blurry. This occurs because the eye does not focus light precisely on the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Instead, the focal point falls behind the retina.

There are several reasons why hyperopia can occur. The most common cause is a shortened eyeball. Another reason is that the cornea, the transparent outer layer of the eye, may be too flat, or the lens within the eye may not be powerful enough to bend light rays sufficiently.

The severity of hyperopia can vary. In mild cases, particularly in younger individuals, the eye's natural ability to adjust focus, known as accommodation, can compensate for the refractive error, allowing for clear vision at all distances. However, as accommodation diminishes with age, or in more significant hyperopia, blurry vision, especially for near tasks, becomes noticeable.

Symptoms of hyperopia can include eye strain, headaches after prolonged visual tasks like reading, and a tendency to squint to see more clearly. In children, uncorrected hyperopia can sometimes lead to amblyopia, or "lazy eye," if one eye is significantly more farsighted than the other.

Hyperopia is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. It can be corrected with corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses, which are designed to alter the path of light entering the eye, shifting the focal point onto the retina. In some cases, refractive surgery may also be an option.