Farsightedness (Hyperopia)

Farsightedness (hyperopia) is a common condition best explained as being able to see “far” away objects clearly, but objects close up are blurring (such as difficulty reading).

Farsightedness is typically present at birth and tends to run in families. Some children who inherit this condition from their parents will outgrow it over time.

Farsightedness is caused by the shape of the eye being too short. The cornea typically focuses light rays (your vision) onto the retina in the back of the eye. Due to the eye being too short, the light rays are being focused behind the retina. Eyeglasses or contacts can correct this problem or possibly surgery, such as LASIK. A regular eye examination can diagnose hyperopia.

If you have any of the following symptoms, you should schedule an eye exam with Dr. Nan Wang to determine if you are suffering from hyperopia:

• Nearby objects seem blurry, but you can see objects far away clearly

• You need to squint to see clearly

• You experience burning or aching eyes (eye strain)

• Headaches or eye discomfort after prolonged reading, writing, or drawing

Aging causes eyesight to change over time. Even patients diagnosed as having farsightedness will often need reading glasses around the age of 40. Blurring reading vision is a quite common condition after the age of 40, no matter if you are farsighted, nearsighted, or neither.