Longsighted

Longsighted, also known as hyperopia, is a refractive error in which light entering the eye is focused behind the retina instead of on it. This makes distant objects often appear clearer than near ones, though the eye’s natural focusing power can compensate in some people, especially children.

Causes include an eyeball that is shorter than normal, a cornea with too little curvature, or a lens that has insufficient focusing power. Hyperopia can be present from birth and may be inherited. Some hyperopia is latent, meaning the eye can compensate with accommodation; other cases become more noticeable with age or after certain eye conditions.

Symptoms vary by age and degree. Children may have no symptoms or strain and headaches after near work, and they are at risk for amblyopia if uncorrected. Adults may experience blurred near vision, eye strain, or fatigue during reading or close tasks. Hyperopia can persist into adulthood and may interact with presbyopia, the age-related loss of near focus.

Diagnosis is made through a comprehensive eye examination, including refraction tests. Cycloplegic refraction is sometimes used in children to reveal latent hyperopia. Retinoscopy and other measurements help determine the degree of refractive error.

Treatment depends on age and degree of hyperopia. Mild hyperopia often does not require correction. In children, corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) are commonly prescribed to prevent amblyopia and to improve near vision. In adults, glasses or contacts can correct distance, and reading glasses or multifocal lenses may be used for near tasks. Refractive surgery is an option for some adults, though less common for hyperopia than myopia.