FARSIGHTEDNESS (HYPEROPIA)

Symptoms

• Squinting
• Headaches
• Blurred up-close vision
• Eyestrain, eye fatigue, burning eyes, or aching eyes / area around the eyes, especially after doing up-close tasks such as reading, writing, or handiwork

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Farsightedness?
Farsightedness (hyperopia) is a common vision condition in which you can see objects at a distance clearly, but nearby objects may be blurry. People with severe farsightedness can only clearly see objects that are a great distance away.

What causes farsightedness?
Farsightedness (hyperopia) occurs when the structures of the eye bend light behind, not directly on, the retina – the light sensitive back wall of the eye. Farsightedness is usually present at birth and tends to run in families.

Is farsightedness common?
Farsightedness is a very common condition and affects approximately 25 percent of the population. The incidence increases with age, and over 50 percent of people 65 years old and older have some degree of farsightedness.

Will reading in the dark weaken my eyesight?
No. You may develop a headache from straining to read in the dark, but it will not weaken your eyesight.

Can glasses or contacts weaken my eyesight over time?
Your eyes will not grow weaker from using corrective lenses. Your prescription may change over time due to the normal aging process or the presence of disease, but not because of corrective lenses.

Will wearing contact lenses keep my farsightedness from progressing?
Properly fitting contact lenses will improve your vision, but they will not change the long-term progression of your farsightedness.

Can farsightedness interfere with my daily activities?
Yes. If you have significant uncorrected farsightedness you may have eyestrain or headaches from up-close tasks such as reading or computer work. Fuzzy vision may detract from your ability to perform everyday tasks or enjoy leisure activities requiring clear near vision.

Can I have other conditions associated with my farsightedness?
Yes. Farsightedness can be accompanied by astigmatism and presbyopia.

What treatments are available for farsightedness?
There is a wide range of options to correct farsightedness. Drs. Agnone and Morrison will perform a full exam to rule out other contributing factors to your symptoms. Glasses, contact lenses, and refractive surgery -- LASIK, LASEK, Advanced Surface Ablation, and clear lensectomy with a premium multifocal / accommodating lens implant or traditional lens implant -- may be options for you.