HYPEROPIA

WHAT IS HYPEROPIA? (FARSIGHTEDNESS)
Hyperopia or farsightedness is a common vision problem, affecting a fourth of the population. People with hyperopia can see distant objects, but have difficulty seeing objects that are up close.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HYPEROPIA?
Farsighted people sometimes have headaches or eyestrain, and may squint or feel fatigued when performing work at close range. If you get these symptoms while wearing your glasses or contact lenses, you may need an eye exam and a new prescription.

WHAT CAUSES HYPEROPIA?
This vision problem occurs when light rays entering the eye focus behind the retina, rather than directly on it. The eyeball of a farsighted person is shorter than normal or the cornea or lens of the eye is "under-powered". Many children are born with hyperopia, and some of them "outgrow" it as the eyeball lengthens with normal growth. Sometimes people confuse hyperopia with presbyopia, which is a difficulty in seeing up close, but has a different cause.

HOW CAN HYPEROPIA BE TREATED?
Farsightedness can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses to change the way light rays bend into the eyes. Refractive surgery such as LASIK or CK is another option for correcting hyperopia.