Hyperopia is an eye condition that affects a person’s ability to clearly view objects up close. It occurs when the eyeball is too short or the cornea is too flat, causing light rays to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it.
Hyperopia affects thousands of people across New Zealand, but it shouldn’t hold you back.
Causes - Hyperopia is caused by an undersized eyeball. So when the eye is fully relaxed, light entering the eye focuses behind the retina instead of directly on the retina, causing blurred vision. Roughly 80% percent of children are born slightly long-sighted but develop normal vision as their eyes grow. Though most people “age out” of hyperopia by the age of 25, it can continue to affect people their entire life.
Symptoms - Though the symptoms of hyperopia will vary from person to person, the most common signs that you’re experiencing short-sightedness are:
Diagnosis - Hyperopia is diagnosed with a routine eye exam that includes a refraction assessment and general eye health analysis.
There is no cure for hyperopia but it can easily be managed with prescription contacts, glasses, and refractive eye surgery in some cases.
Over-the-Counter Glasses
Most patients start with over-the-counter (OTC) glasses or ready-made spectacles to improve their long-sightedness. Though they may help initially and for mild cases, they’re not a suitable long-term solution for dealing with hyperopia.
Prescription Glasses
Prescription glasses are the most common treatment option for hyperopia. Unlike OTC lenses, prescription glasses are personalized to your needs and condition. Our NZ optometrists can set you up with everyday prescription glasses and/or specific lenses for driving, playing sports, and more.
Bifocal Lenses
Bifocal lenses contain two prescriptions in one lens, enabling you to focus on objects that are both far away and up close. Generally, patients switch to bifocal lenses as their condition progresses.
Contact Lenses
Both hard and soft contact lenses are viable treatment options for hyperopia. The type depends on your particular condition, overall eye health, and vision goals.
Newer contact lenses have the ability to correct both hyperopia and presbyopia with the same lens. The brain then selects the text or object it wants to focus on and filters out images at other distances.
Refractive Eye Surgery
There are several laser eye surgery treatments for hyperopia such as LASIK, LASEK, and PRK. Though these are usually reserved for extreme cases or for those that are unable to wear glasses or contacts, they are effective treatment options. Ask our optometrists if these are a good fit for you and they’ll be happy to assist you with an assessment and referral.
Hyperopia, also known as far-sightedness, is a common vision condition where distant objects are seen more clearly than nearby ones. It occurs when the eye is too short or the cornea has insufficient curvature, causing light to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it.
Symptoms of hyperopia can include difficulty focusing on close objects, eye strain, headaches, squinting, and fatigue after tasks like reading or using a computer. In children, it can sometimes cause crossed eyes (strabismus).
Hyperopia is often hereditary and caused by an imperfection in the shape of the eye. It can also occur naturally as part of the ageing process, especially if the eye's ability to focus declines over time.
Hyperopia (far-sightedness) makes it easier to see distant objects than those nearby, while myopia (short-sightedness) causes difficulty seeing distant objects clearly. The two conditions affect the way light focuses on the retina.
Hyperopia can be corrected by laser refractive surgery (like LASIK) or with an intraocular lens implantation. But due to the high cost and associated risks, most patients opt to manage their hyperopia with glasses or contact lenses.
Hyperopia is most commonly treated with prescription glasses or contact lenses, depending on the patient’s conditions and preferences.
Yes, hyperopia is common in children and often present at birth. In many cases, mild hyperopia does not require treatment, as children’s eyes can compensate for the refractive error. However, significant hyperopia may need corrective lenses to prevent issues like eye strain or lazy eye.
In children, hyperopia often improves as the eye grows and develops. In adults, the condition typically stabilises, but natural changes in the eye’s lens due to ageing (presbyopia) may make it harder to focus on near objects.
Treatment options include:
You should see an optometrist if you experience frequent eye strain, difficulty focusing on close objects, headaches, or fatigue after near-vision tasks. Regular eye exams are recommended for everyone, especially children and older adults, to ensure optimal vision health.
Hyperopia cannot be cured naturally, though it can be managed and even prevented with a balanced diet, vision exercises, and an overall healthy lifestyle. Though if you’re under the age of 25 and experiencing long-sightedness, it’s likely that you’ll grow out of it as your eyeball grows.
Yes, hyperopia can be corrected with prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. There are also surgical options available for one-time solutions.
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