When we think about vision problems, nearsightedness (myopia) often gets the spotlight—but hyperopia, or farsightedness, is just as important and just as common. Whether you’re squinting at your phone or watching your child hold books at arm’s length, understanding hyperopia can help you take better care of your eyes or those of someone you love.
What Is Hyperopia?
Hyperopia is a refractive error—a fancy way of saying your eye doesn’t bend light the right way. People with hyperopia see distant objects more clearly than those up close. For some, it may not be a big deal. For others, especially as they age, it can cause noticeable vision issues.
How It Works
In a perfectly shaped eye, light focuses directly on the retina (the back of your eye) for clear vision. In hyperopic eyes, the eyeball is too short, or the cornea has too little curvature, causing light to focus behind the retina instead of on it.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms of hyperopia can vary depending on age and severity, but often include:
Blurry vision when looking at nearby objects
Eye strain or headaches after reading or screen time
Difficulty focusing on close tasks (like sewing or reading)
Squinting to see clearly
Fatigue or discomfort during visual tasks
Young children may not show obvious signs because their eyes can often compensate for the issue—temporarily.
Causes and Risk Factors
Hyperopia can be:
Inherited: It often runs in families.
Age-related: As we get older, our eyes lose the ability to accommodate, or adjust focus, which makes hyperopia more noticeable.
Present at birth: Some babies are born farsighted, but it may resolve as they grow.
Diagnosis: Get Your Eyes Checked
A comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist is the only way to diagnose hyperopia. They’ll test how your eyes focus light and may use special drops to temporarily stop your eyes from trying to compensate.
Treatment Options
The good news? Hyperopia is treatable. Options include:
1. Eyeglasses
The most common fix, especially for children.
Lenses with a “+” prescription correct the light’s focus.
2. Contact Lenses
A good alternative for those who don’t want to wear glasses.
Available in soft and rigid gas permeable options.
3. Refractive Surgery
Procedures like LASIK or PRK reshape the cornea to improve focus.
Typically for adults with stable prescriptions.
4. Vision Therapy (in rare cases)
Used if eye coordination or focus is an issue, often in children.
Hyperopia vs. Presbyopia: Not the Same Thing!
A common confusion: hyperopia and presbyopia both affect near vision but are not the same. Hyperopia is about the eye’s shape, while presbyopia is an age-related loss of flexibility in the lens. You can even have both!
When to See an Eye Doctor
Don’t wait for serious symptoms. Regular eye exams can catch hyperopia early—especially important for children, who might not realize they’re seeing the world a little blurrier than they should.
See your eye doctor if:
You notice changes in your or your child’s vision
You experience frequent headaches or eye fatigue
You haven’t had an eye exam in over a year
Final Thoughts
Hyperopia is a common and manageable condition. With the right lenses—or sometimes a quick procedure—you can enjoy clear, comfortable vision. Whether you’re reading a book or looking at a sunset, your eyes deserve the best care.
Tip: Schedule a yearly eye exam, even if you think your vision is fine. Prevention (and clarity) is key. 👁️💡