What is hyperopia?
Hyperopia or farsightedness, commonly known as farsightedness, and medically called hyperopia. Hyperopia is a visual defect and the condition occurs when the eyeball is too short or the cornea has too little curvature, causing the light entering the eye to focus behind rather than directly on the retina. Where distant objects appear clear, but nearby objects appear blurry and in children, it may be a sign of strabismus.
Causes of hyperopia
When you’re hyperopia the light rays don't focus the way they should.
Hyperopia happens when your eyeball grows to back, there are problems with the shape of your cornea or lens that helps the eye focus.
These problems make light focus behind the retina, making objects appear blurry.
The causes of hyperopia or farsightedness is generally related to the shape and size of the eye and its structures. Hyperopia can be caused by a shortness in the length of the eyeball from front to back.
Farsightedness is an issue with the shape of the cornea, the lens or the eyeball.
Symptoms of Hyperopia
People with hyperopia often struggle with tasks like reading or using a smartphone.
Difficulty seeing close objects clearly.
Prolonged close work can idea to discomfort or fatigue in the eyes.
The strain from trying to focus on near tasks can cause headaches.
Close up tasks might appear blurry while distant vision is clearer.
People with hyperopia may squint to see better especially for near tasks.
If you experience these symptoms it’s a good idea to get an eye examination.
Diagnosis of Hyperopia
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1 Medical History
Ophthalmologist or optometrists will begin by asking about your medical history, including any vision problems, family history of eye conditions, and overall health.
2 Visual Acuity Test
You will be asked to read letters or symbols on an eye chart from a specific distance.
This test measures how well you see at various distances and helps identify vision issues.
3 Accommodation Test
This test assessed how well your eye can focus on near objects.
It helps distance if your eyes are working properly to adjust focus for close up tasks.
4 Refraction Test
This test determines you exact prescription for corrective lenses, you'll look through a device called a phoropter while the eye care professional changes lenses to find the most effective prescription for clear vision.
5 Eye Health Examination
Using tools like a Retinoscope, Slit-lamp and Ophthalmoscope, the Ophthalmologist or optometrists professional will examine the structures of lens, and retina, to check for any abnormalities or other eye conditions.
6 Cycloplegic Refraction
In some cases, especially in children or if hyperopia is difficult to diagnose, eye drops may be used to temporarily paralyze the eye muscles responsible for focusing.
This allows for a more accurate measurement of refractive error.
1 Diagnosis Confirmation
If the tests indicate that you have difficulty focusing on near objects while your distance vision remains clear, hyperopia is likely the diagnosis.
Ophthalmologist or optometrists will discuss the results and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Regular eye exam are crucial for detecting hyperopia early and managing it effectively to ensure optimal vision health.
Treatment of Hyperopia
Eyeglasses
Convex lenses are used to correct hyperopia. They help focus light correctly on the retina.
Contact lenses
Convex contact lenses can correct hyperopia by changing the way light enters the eye.
Refractive surgery
Procedure like LASIK or PRK reshape the cornea to improve focus.
This is usually considered for individuals who cannot use glasses or contact lenses.
Orthokeratology
This involves wearing specially designed contact lenses that reshape the cornea temporarily, usually overnight, to improve vision during the day.
Vision therapy
For some individuals, especially children, vision therapy exercises can help improve focusing abilities, though this is test common for hyperopia compared to other vision issues.
It’s best to consult with an eye care professional to determine the most appropriate treatment based on individual needs and eye health.