Hyperopia — causes, symptoms, treatments

What Is Hyperopia (Far Sightedness / Long Sightedness)?

Hyperopia, commonly known as far sightedness or long sightedness (orig. hypermetropia), is a common vision problem that can normally be corrected with contact lenses or glasses. If you are farsighted (hyperopic), you can see objects clearly at a distance but find it hard to focus on things close to you. As people with long sightedness get older, seeing at a distance can become more difficult as well. In cases of high hyperopia, it can also be difficult to focus on objects at any distance.

What are the causes of Hyperopia or long sightedness?

Hyperopia or long sightedness occurs when the eye is too short from front to back, or the cornea’s curve is not powerful enough for the eye. Light is focused behind the retina instead of on it, resulting in blurred vision.

Some children are born farsighted, and their vision can correct itself as their eyes develop, however, they should be examined by an Eye Care professional to ensure that this is the case and it isn’t causing the child any other problems.

Adults can also become farsighted, particularly as they approach middle age. Long sightedness shouldn’t be confused with presbyopia, which makes focussing at near difficult because the lens inside our eye becomes less flexible with age and cannot focus for close distances.

What are the symptoms of Hyperopia or long sightedness?

Hyperopia or long sightedness makes it difficult to clearly see things close to you and can interfere with day-to-day activities such as reading, writing, and other precise, close-up tasks. This can lead to eyestrain, headaches, and fatigue.

Symptoms of Hyperopia may include:

Blurry vision when focusing on or looking at nearby objects
Squinting to see things clearly
Eyestrain, burning eyes, and aching in or around the eyes
General eye discomfort or a headache after doing tasks that require focusing on close objects, such as reading, writing, computer work, or drawing

Diagnosing Hyperopia or long sightedness

If you think you might be farsighted, use our search tool to find an Eye Care professional near you and schedule an eye examination. The examination will determine if you are farsighted, and determine the prescription that you need for glasses or contact lenses to correct this.

Treating Hyperopia or Long-sightedness

Most people who are farsighted are able to correct their vision with glasses or contact lenses. These contact lenses are shaped to focus light correctly on your retina, helping you see clearly without glasses both up close and at a distance.

For ACUVUE^{^®} brand contact lenses for Long-sightedness talk to your Eye Care Professional.

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Footnotes

* Please note professional eye examination and fitting fees may apply. GCC residents 18 or over only. One trial per person. Eligibility subject to Eye Care Professional approval. Participating Eye Care Professionals only. See link for full terms and conditions.

All ACUVUE^® Brand Contact Lenses have Class 1 and Class 2 UV-blocking to help provide protection against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye. UV-absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear such as UV-absorbing goggles or subglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. UV transmission measured with -1.00D lens.

For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your Eye Care Professional and read the Instructions for Use.