Hyperopia (Farsightedness)

By Judith Lee and Gretchyn Bailey; reviewed by Vance Thompson, MD; Flash illustration by Stephen Bagi

Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a common vision problem, affecting about a fourth of the population. People with hyperopia can see distant objects very well, but have difficulty seeing objects that are up close.

Hyperopia Symptoms and Signs

Farsighted people sometimes have headaches or eyestrain and may squint or feel fatigued when performing work at close range. If you get these symptoms while wearing your glasses or contact lenses, you may need an eye exam and a new prescription.

What Causes Hyperopia?

This vision problem occurs when light rays entering the eye focus behind the retina, rather than directly on it. The eyeball of a farsighted person is shorter than normal.

Many children are born with hyperopia, and some of them "outgrow" it as the eyeball lengthens with normal growth.

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Sometimes people confuse hyperopia with presbyopia, which also is a difficulty in seeing up close, but has a different cause.

Hyperopia Treatment

Farsightedness can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses to change the way light rays bend into the eyes. If your glasses or contact lens prescription begins with plus numbers, like +2.50, you are farsighted.

You may need to wear your glasses or contacts all the time or only when reading, working on a computer or doing other close-up work.

Refractive surgery, such as LASIK or CK, is another option for correcting hyperopia. It may reduce or eliminate your need to wear glasses or contact lenses.

[Page updated June 2006]