A common vision problem, farsightedness, or hyperopia, affects millions of people around the world. It occurs when the eye cannot focus light on the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. Thus, distant objects appear clear, while close objects look blurry or out of focus.
Farsightedness is usually caused by one of the following factors:
The eyeball is too short, which means that the light rays do not converge on the retina, but behind it.
The cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, is too flat, which means that the light rays are not bent enough to focus on the retina.
The lens, the transparent structure inside the eye that changes shape to adjust focus, is too thin or weak, which means that it cannot bend the light rays enough to focus on the retina.
These factors can be inherited or develop over time due to aging, injury, disease, or environmental factors.
The symptoms of farsightedness may vary depending on the degree of the condition and the age of the person. Some common symptoms include:
Blurred vision for near objects, such as reading, writing, or using a computer
Eye strain, headache, or fatigue after performing near tasks
Squinting or closing one eye to see better
Difficulty seeing in dim light or at night
Trouble focusing or maintaining attention
Crossed eyes or lazy eye in children
Farsightedness can be diagnosed by an eye doctor, who will perform a comprehensive eye exam that includes:
A visual acuity test, which measures how well you can see letters or symbols on a chart at different distances
A refraction test, which uses a device called a phoropter to determine the lens power that corrects your vision
A slit-lamp exam, which uses a microscope and a bright light to examine the structures of the eye
A retinal exam, which uses a device called an ophthalmoscope to look at the back of the eye
Based on the results of these tests, the eye doctor will prescribe glasses, contact lenses, or other vision aids to correct your farsightedness.
The treatment of farsightedness depends on the severity of the condition, the age of the person, and the personal preference. Some common treatment options include:
Glasses or contact lenses, which are the simplest and most common way to correct farsightedness. They work by changing the way the light rays enter the eye, so that they focus on the retina.
Orthokeratology, which is a process that involves wearing specially designed rigid contact lenses at night, which temporarily reshape the cornea and improve vision during the day.
Refractive surgery, which is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea or the lens, using a laser or a small incision. Some examples of refractive surgery are LASIK, PRK, LASEK, and RLE.
Implantable lenses, which are artificial lenses that are inserted into the eye, either in front of or behind the natural lens, to improve vision.
It is difficult to prevent farsightedness since it is highly influenced by the shape and size of the eye, which are inherited or affected by aging. However, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk or delay the onset of farsightedness.
Having regular eye exams, especially for children and older adults, to detect and treat any vision problems early
Protecting the eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, by wearing sunglasses or hats when outdoors
Avoiding eye injuries, by wearing protective eyewear when playing sports or working with tools
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
It is common for people to suffer from farsightedness, which can affect their quality of life and performance. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, you can be able to see both near and far objects clearly and comfortably. For more information and advice about farsightedness, please consult your eye doctor.
