Farsightedness, or hyperopia, is a vision condition in which distant objects are usually seen clearly, but close ones are not brought into proper focus. If you are farsighted, you involuntarily exert extra effort to maintain clear distance vision and even greater effort to see clearly at close range. This extra effort can cause fatigue, tension, and discomfort.

How common is hyperopia?

Many people have some degree of farsightedness. The condition is only a problem if it significantly affects a person’s ability to see. It is estimated that over half the people who wear glasses are wearing them because of a focusing problem due to hyperopia or presbyopia, a natural decrease in focusing ability that occurs with age. Common signs/symptoms of farsightedness include difficulty in concentrating on near objects, blurred vision, eye strain, fatigue and/or headaches after close work, aching or burning eyes, poor reading ability and general tension.

How is hyperopia treated?

In mild cases, your eyes may be able to compensate adequately without the need for corrective lenses.  In more severe cases, Dr. Dubé, optometrist may recommend glasses or contact lenses. For appropriate candidates, laser vision correction can be considered.

How is hyperopia diagnosed?

Farsightedness can be effectively diagnosed during a comprehensive eye examination. Sight testing and common vision screenings, often done in schools, are generally ineffective in detecting people with hyperopia. This is because these individuals can identify the letters on an eye chart in the distance with little difficulty.

How will hyperopia affect my lifestyle?

If glasses or contact lenses are prescribed, it may take a few days to adjust to them. After that, farsightedness will probably not significantly affect your lifestyle.