Farsightedness (Hyperopia)

FARSIGHTEDNESS (HYPEROPIA)

What is Farsightedness (Hyperopia)? LASIK uses laser technology to change Farsightedness (Hyperopia) is a condition in which the curvature of the cornea so that light light that enters the eye is focused behind the can be refracted properly onto the retina instead of on the retina. This can occur retina. This enables light entering the when the eyeball is too short or when the cornea eyes to focus on the retina rather than is misshapen. People diagnosed with hyperopia can behind the retina. see distant objects more clearly than objects that are up close. Children with parents who have Although hyperopia cannot be prevented, hyperopia are more likely to develop the condition. there are ways to ensure good vision health. The American Academy of Ophthalmology Symptoms of Hyperopia recommends adults with no symptoms or risk Common symptoms include: factors for eye disease to undergo baseline eye • Headaches disease screening at age 40 and to receive eye • Eye strain or eye fatigue exams every 1 to 2 years for those over age 60. • Blurry vision when viewing objects up close For those with existing vision problems, it is important to continue regular follow up with the Diagnosis of Hyperopia eye doctor. Remember to take breaks throughout Through a complete eye exam, the day especially if you are constantly looking at the eye doctor (an optometrist a computer or phone screen. Give the eyes a or an ophthalmologist) can break from the screen approximately every 30 detect hyperopia. It is minutes. Resting your eyes can help relieve eye important to identify vision strains and headaches when viewing objects up problems early, especially in close for long periods of time. children, because the ability to see clearly can affect learning For more information about eye health, consult and development. with your eye care professional or visit: The National Eye Institute Treatment of Hyperopia http://www.nei.nih.gov/ Hyperopia can be treated in several ways: Prevent Blindness Northern California • Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses – Either https://northerncalifornia.preventblindness.org/ option can easily correct hyperopia when prescribed by an eye doctor. References: • Refractive Surgery – Surgery is the only National Eye Institute permanent solution for hyperopia but https://nei.nih.gov/health/errors/hyperopia may involve some risks. Possible American Optometric Association complications include infection, dry eyes, https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public or improper vision correction. The most common surgical procedure is laser- assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK).