Refractive error
Hyperopia (Farsighted):
You see far better than near (even if neither are great)
Hyperopia is a type of eyeglass prescription that is seen with a plus sign (like +1.00 or +3.75).
The prescription strength of our glasses is determined by how long the eye is (axial length) and how steep the cornea is (corneal curvature). In farsighted folks, the eye is slightly too short and/or the corneal curvature is too flat and this causes light to focus behind the retina. Many folks have strong enough focusing systems to refocus the light onto the retina. But others don’t have enough focus reserves to refocus the light on the retina and this creates a blurry spot. Minus lenses help light focus on the retina.
Common symptoms of farsightedness include squinting when looking at something close up, avoiding nearwork/reading, eye strain, and headaches.
Treatment options include glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
High hyperopia can cause vision changes like strabismus and amblyopia and it can also cause ocular health issues such as narrow angle glaucoma. Uncorrected hyperopia can even lead to behavioral changes in kids- Vision problems do not hurt and children don’t understand how they are “supposed” to see, therefore a yearly comprehensive eye exam is essential!
