Understanding Farsightedness: Causes, Symptoms, and Correction Options
If you find it easier to see distant objects clearly but struggle with reading or focusing on things up close, you may have a common refractive error known as hyperopia more commonly called farsightedness.
Hyperopia is a condition that affects people of all ages, though it’s particularly noticeable during tasks that involve near vision, such as reading, writing, or using a smartphone. While mild hyperopia may go unnoticed for years, more severe cases can interfere with daily activities and cause eye strain or headaches.
In this article, we explain what hyperopia is, what causes it, how to recognize its symptoms, and what treatment options are available.
What Is Hyperopia?
Hyperopia (farsightedness) is a type of refractive error in which the eye does not focus light properly on the retina, the part of the eye that processes visual signals. Instead, light focuses behind the retina, making nearby objects appear blurry, while distant objects remain relatively clear.
Hyperopia occurs when:
- The eyeball is too short from front to back
- The cornea is too flat (less curved than normal)
- Or the lens inside the eye is not powerful enough
This leads to difficulty seeing close objects, particularly when focusing for extended periods.
Hyperopia vs. Myopia
Hyperopia is the opposite of myopia (nearsightedness). While people with myopia struggle to see distant objects, those with hyperopia have difficulty seeing things up close. Both are forms of refractive errors, and both can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
What Are the Symptoms of Hyperopia?
Symptoms of hyperopia can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the age of the person. Many young people with mild hyperopia can compensate for their blurry near vision by focusing harder, but this becomes more difficult over time.
Common symptoms include:
- Blurry vision when reading or doing close-up work
- Eye strain or tired eyes after prolonged near tasks
- Headaches, especially in the forehead or around the eyes
- Squinting when looking at nearby objects
- Difficulty concentrating on close work
- In children: avoiding reading, poor school performance, or crossed eyes (strabismus) in some cases
If left uncorrected, hyperopia can cause chronic discomfort and may affect learning and daily performance, especially in children and office workers.
What Causes Hyperopia?
Hyperopia is usually inherited, meaning it runs in families. If one or both parents are farsighted, their children are more likely to have the condition. Other causes or contributing factors include:
- Abnormal eye shape (shorter axial length)
- Flattened cornea
- Aging, which reduces the flexibility of the eye’s lens (this overlaps with presbyopia, a different age-related condition)
- Congenital hyperopia, which is present from birth
Hyperopia can affect anyone, but is especially common in infants and young children. Interestingly, many children are born slightly farsighted, but their vision often improves naturally as their eyes grow.
How Is Hyperopia Diagnosed?
Hyperopia is diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam that includes:
- Visual acuity test – reading letters from a chart
- Refraction test – measuring how light bends inside the eye
- Retinoscopy – using light to observe how the eye focuses
- Autorefractor measurements – automated tools to estimate prescription
In children, eye drops may be used to dilate the pupils, allowing the doctor to check for hidden hyperopia that the child may be compensating for.
At Erdem Hospital, our experienced ophthalmologists offer advanced diagnostic tools and personalized vision assessments to detect and treat hyperopia at all ages.
How Is Hyperopia Treated?
Hyperopia can be easily corrected with several options, depending on the severity of the condition and personal preferences.
1. Eyeglasses
- The most common and simplest solution
- Prescription lenses bend light to focus properly on the retina
- Often needed full-time for children and for reading or computer work in adults
2. Contact Lenses
- Suitable for older children, teens, and adults
- Provide a wider field of vision
- Require proper hygiene and regular replacement
3. Refractive Surgery (LASIK, PRK, or LASEK)
- A long-term option for adults
- Reshapes the cornea to correct the way light enters the eye
- Not recommended for children or those with unstable prescriptions
4. Vision Therapy (in children)
- In cases where hyperopia leads to eye coordination issues, vision therapy may be recommended by a pediatric optometrist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can hyperopia go away with age?
In infants, mild hyperopia can improve naturally as the eye grows. However, in older children and adults, hyperopia does not correct itself and may require prescription lenses or surgery.
2. Is hyperopia the same as presbyopia?
No. Presbyopia is an age-related loss of near vision due to a stiffening lens, typically beginning after age 40. Hyperopia is a structural refractive error that may be present from birth.
3. Can hyperopia cause lazy eye?
Yes. Severe, untreated hyperopia in children can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (crossed eyes), especially if one eye is significantly more farsighted than the other.
4. Do I need to wear glasses all the time if I have hyperopia?
It depends on the degree of your farsightedness. Some people may only need glasses for reading or screen use, while others may require them full-time, especially if symptoms are severe.
5. Can hyperopia worsen over time?
In children, vision may change as the eyes grow, but adult prescriptions are typically stable. However, as people age, presbyopia can compound the effects of hyperopia, requiring stronger reading correction.
See the World Clearly Up Close and Far Away
Hyperopia is a common and manageable condition that, when left uncorrected, can lead to eye strain, headaches, and learning difficulties especially in children. Fortunately, with the right diagnosis and a customized treatment plan, it’s easy to restore clear vision and comfort.
At Erdem Hospital, our ophthalmology specialists offer comprehensive eye care, including diagnosis, eyeglass prescriptions, contact lens fitting, and refractive surgery options. Whether you’re noticing blurred vision while reading or your child is struggling in school, we’re here to help you see life more clearly.