Hyperopia (Long-Sightedness): Signs, symptoms and treatments

What is hyperopia (long-sightedness)?

Hyperopia, also known as far-sightedness or long-sightedness, is a common refractive error where light rays from distant objects focus behind the retina. This often occurs due to a shorter eyeball or a flatter cornea. 

As a result, nearby tasks such as reading or using a computer may appear blurred, while distant objects are generally clearer as the eye compensates better at longer distances.

In contrast to myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia arises from structural differences in the eye. Mild cases may only cause slight difficulty with close vision, while severe cases can affect both near and distant vision, often leading to eye strain and headaches.

It's important to note that hyperopia is different from presbyopia, as the two are often mistakenly confused. Presbyopia is an age-related condition.

What are the symptoms of hyperopia (long-sightedness)?

Hyperopia, or long-sightedness, can cause a variety of symptoms, especially during tasks requiring focus on nearby objects:

• Blurry vision with near objects: Difficulty focusing on close objects like books, phones, or screens occurs because light is focused behind the retina instead of on it, making nearby objects appear blurry.

• Eye strain: Prolonged focus on nearby tasks may result in discomfort, fatigue, and aching eyes.

• Squinting when reading: Squinting can temporarily improve focus but often leads to additional strain.

• Double vision: Close-up tasks may occasionally cause double vision, making it harder to concentrate.

What are the treatment options for hyperopia (long-sightedness)?

Since hyperopia is a refractive error, it can be treated or corrected with options such as:

Glasses:

• A simple and non-invasive solution that uses lenses to refocus light onto the retina, providing clear vision. Glasses are widely used for correcting both hyperopia and other refractive errors, offering a variety of styles to suit personal preferences.

Contact Lenses:

• These sit on the surface of the eye and correct refractive errors (such as hyperopia), and offer a wider field of view than glasses. Options include daily disposables, monthly lenses, rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses for sharper vision, and Ortho-K lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea for daytime clarity.

Surgery:

• Laser procedures like LASIK (laser eye surgery) and PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) reshape the cornea to correct vision and address refractive errors. Each method has specific benefits depending on the severity of hyperopia and corneal health. These quick and effective surgeries often involve minimal discomfort and short recovery times.

An eye care professional can help determine the most suitable option for your needs and lifestyle.

Can you prevent hyperopia (long-sightedness)?

While hyperopia cannot be entirely prevented, adopting healthy habits can help reduce its impact and support overall eye health. Here are some practical steps:

• Maintain a nutritious diet: Nutrients like vitamin A and vitamin C play a vital role in keeping your eyes healthy. Foods such as red peppers and squash are excellent sources. Explore more about the best foods for eye health here.

• Schedule regular eye exams: Routine check-ups help detect vision changes early, update prescriptions, and monitor overall eye health.

• Protect your eyes: Environmental factors can pose risks to your eye health. Wear glasses with UV filters to shield your eyes from harmful sun rays and use protective eyewear for activities like DIY projects. Also restful sleep supports overall eye health and reduces fatigue, ensure you get adequate sleep each night. Discover more tips for maintaining healthy eyes.

By adopting these habits, you can reduce the daily challenges of living with hyperopia and support long-term eye health. Regular check-ups with an eye care professional ensure your vision remains clear and your eyes stay healthy.

What are the common questions about hyperopia (long-sightedness)?

Are there glasses available to help prevent hyperopia (long-sightedness)?

Yes, glasses are a great way to help prevent the effects of hyperopia (long-sightedness) as they're non-invasive and will correct vision.

Can I wear long distance vision glasses all the time?

Yes, you can wear them all the time if they are comfortable and enhance your vision. While they are primarily designed for activities like driving or watching TV, they might not be necessary for close-up tasks. For personalised advice, consult an eye care professional.

Does age cause hyperopia (long-sightedness)?

As we get older, the eyes may experience a hyperopic shift (a change that increases long-sighted vision). However, this is recognised as another condition called presbyopia. With age, the lens of the eye loses its elasticity and becomes more rigid, reducing its ability to change shape. As a result, the lens struggles to thicken sufficiently to focus on close-up objects.

What does it mean to be long-sighted?

Being long-sighted, also referred to as hyperopia, means you can see distant objects clearly but struggle to focus on objects that are close. This occurs because light entering the eye is focused behind the retina rather than directly on it, causing nearby objects to appear blurry.