Farsightedness: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Farsightedness?
An optometrist or an ophthalmologist usually diagnoses and treats farsightedness. An optometrist does eye exams, diagnoses vision problems, and prescribes glasses or contact lenses. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who treats eye diseases and performs eye surgery. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is farsightedness?
Farsightedness is a refractive error that makes nearby objects look blurry. A refractive error means the shape of the eye keeps light from focusing correctly on the retina. The retina is a light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. In farsightedness, light focuses behind the retina instead of on it. Doctors also call it hyperopia.
Refractive errors are the most common type of vision problem. Other common refractive errors are nearsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of farsightedness are:
- Trouble seeing things up close.
- Eye strain, which is when your eyes feel tired or sore.
- Headaches, especially when reading.
If you have mild farsightedness, you may not notice any symptoms. That is why regular eye exams are important.
Children with severe farsightedness may also be at higher risk for other eye problems, like crossed eyes or amblyopia, which is also called lazy eye.
Causes and who gets it
Farsightedness happens when the eyeball grows too short from front to back. It can also happen when there are problems with the shape of the cornea or the lens. The cornea is the clear front layer of the eye. The lens is an inner part of the eye that helps it focus.
Most people who are farsighted are born with it. It may not cause vision problems until you get older. You are more likely to be farsighted if other members of your family are farsighted too.
Presbyopia is different from farsightedness. In presbyopia, the lens becomes less flexible with age, which makes it hard to see things up close. Nearly everyone develops it as they age, typically starting around age 45.
How doctors diagnose it
Eye doctors can check for farsightedness as part of a comprehensive eye exam. The exam is simple and painless.
You will be tested to see how well you can see at different distances, with and without corrective lenses. Your provider may also use special eye drops to dilate, or widen, your pupils to check for other eye conditions.
Treatment
The most common treatments for farsightedness are eyeglasses or contact lenses. Your eye doctor will prescribe the right lenses to help you see as clearly as possible.
Doctors can also use surgery to treat farsightedness in adults. The surgery changes the shape of your cornea so that it can focus light clearly. Laser eye surgery is used in some cases. Your eye care specialist can help choose the best treatment for your vision and lifestyle.
When to see a doctor
Tell your eye care specialist if your vision changes or if you have problems with your glasses or contact lenses. If you already wear glasses or contact lenses and notice symptoms, you may need a new prescription.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have sudden dizziness, weakness, or a sudden change in vision.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. This kind of doctor can ask about your vision symptoms and help you decide when an eye exam is needed. They can also refer you to an eye care specialist and follow your overall health.
Common questions
Is farsightedness the same as presbyopia?
No, presbyopia is different. Presbyopia is trouble seeing things up close because the lens becomes less flexible with age.
Can farsightedness be corrected?
Yes, it can be treated. The most common treatments are eyeglasses or contact lenses. Doctors can also use surgery in adults.
Is farsightedness inherited?
Yes, it often runs in families. Most people who are farsighted are born with it.
Do I need an eye exam if my vision seems fine?
Yes, regular eye exams are important. If you have mild farsightedness, you may not notice any symptoms.
Can children be farsighted?
Yes, most refractive errors start in childhood or are present at birth. Children with severe farsightedness may be at higher risk for crossed eyes or amblyopia, which is also called lazy eye.
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
