Definition
People with farsightedness have a hard time seeing close objects. Images are blurred. People with severe symptoms may have trouble seeing objects both far and near.
Causes
This problem happens when the shape of the eye does not bend light correctly. The eyeball is too short for light rays to clearly focus on the retina.
It may also be caused by a problem with the shape of the cornea or lens.
Light rays are precisely focused on the retina (orange) in good vision.
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Risk Factors
This problem is more common in people who have other family members who are farsighted.
Symptoms
Problems may be:
- Trouble focusing on objects that are close
- Blurred eyesight
- Headache
- A feeling of tiredness in the eyes
Young adults with farsightedness often do not have symptoms. However, they may need reading glasses at an earlier age.
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. Your vision will be tested. This is often enough to make the diagnosis. You may also be referred to a doctor who treats eyes.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to improve vision. Options are:
- Corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contacts
- Surgery to change the shape of the eye to improve its ability to focus light
Prevention
There are no known guidelines to prevent this health problem.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Ophthalmology
http://www.aao.org
National Eye Institute
http://www.nei.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Ophthalmological Society
http://www.eyesite.ca
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
REFERENCES:
Farsightedness (hyperopia). National Eye Institute website. Available at: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/farsightedness-hyperopia. Accessed October 22, 2020.
Hyperopia (farsightedness). American Optometric Association website. Available at: http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/hyperopia. Accessed October 22, 2020.
Hyperopia (farsightedness). University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center website. Available at: http://www.kellogg.umich.edu/patientcare/conditions/hyperopia.html. Accessed October 22, 2020.
Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD Last Updated: 5/18/2021