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

How to know if you have 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.

ACUVUE® BRAND CONTACT LENSES FOR 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hyperopia / Long Sightedness

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