What is hyperopia?

Hyperopia is not a disease, nor does it mean you have "bad eyes."  It is a variation in the shape of your eyeball.  The degree of variation determines whether or not you will need corrective eyewear.

What causes hyperopia?

When the eyeball is slightly shorter than usual from front to back, light rays from near objects strike the retina before they are in focus causing the hyperopic condition.  Distant objects appear clearly because light rays from them focus correctly on the retina.

What are the symptoms of hyperopia?

Headaches, eyestrain, squinting or feeling fatigued when performing work at near may occur.  If you experience these symptoms while wearing your glasses or contact lenses, you may need a comprehensive eye examination as well as a new prescription.

What is the treatment for hyperopia?

Farsightedness may be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery.  The age at which a person requires eyeglasses for this condition depends on its degree of severity.  Almost everyone requires at least reading glasses by the time they are in their 60s to help them see objects that are small but near.

  For more information about this refractive error, please visit the Eye Care America webiste at:

http://www.eyecareamerica.org/eyecare/conditions/refractive-errors/index.cfm