Hyperopia (long-sightedness)

What is hyperopia or long-sightedness?

Hyperopia, or long-sightedness, occurs when distant objects can be seen clearly, but those close up do not come into focus properly. In most cases it occurs when the eyeball is smaller than normal. Because of this, the eye cannot focus correctly.

Symptoms

People with hyperopia may experience:

• Poor vision unless they make an effort to see
• Blurred vision when looking up from close work
• Frequent eyestrain
• Headaches and poor concentration
• Occasional double vision
• In children, progress at school is not as anticipated

Causes

Eye conditions caused by poorly focused vision are usually inherited. Hyperopia is a common eye condition in children. Since the size of the eye is the main factor that determines focus, and since the eyes continue growing until about 25 years, long-sighted eyes tend to become less long-sighted as a child grows. However, all eyes slowly lose their ability to focus with age. Because of this, most people need reading glasses at some stage in their 40s.

Treatment

Eyes with hyperopia are capable of good vision and require no treatment apart from optical correction or in some cases orthokeratology may be an option. Your Visique optometrist can help people with hyperopia to see more comfortably and clearly with glasses or contact lenses.