Do you find it easy to see things far away but struggle with reading, using your phone, or doing close-up work? You may be suffering from hyperopia, another name for farsightedness.
Millions of individuals, including adults and children, suffer from this common vision disorder, but many are unaware of its full consequences, how it affects day-to-day living, or what may be done to address it.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the basics of farsightedness: what causes it, how to spot it, and what treatment options are available.
What Is Farsightedness?
Hyperopia, often known as farsightedness, is a refractive defect. This indicates that your eyesight is blurry because of an irregularly shaped eye.
Although they can usually see far-off objects clearly, people with farsightedness find it difficult to focus on close-up objects, such as:
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- Reading books
- Using a smartphone
- Sewing or crafting
- Working at a computer
What Causes Farsightedness?
In a healthy eye, light enters through the cornea and lens, bending (refracting) so it focuses directly on the retina — the part of your eye that sends visual signals to your brain.
In a farsighted eye:
- The eyeball is too short, or
- The cornea is too flat.
As a result, light focuses behind the retina instead of directly on it, making near vision blurry.
Can Children Be Farsighted?
Yes—in fact, many kids have mild farsightedness at birth, and as they become older, their eyes adjust. On the other hand, learning and development issues may arise if hyperopia is severe or does not get better.
Untreated farsightedness in children may lead to:
- Eye strain
- Headaches
- Poor reading performance
- Crossed eyes (strabismus)
That’s why early eye exams are so important—even before kids can read.
Common Signs of Farsightedness
Farsightedness doesn’t always show obvious symptoms—especially in younger people, whose eyes can often compensate by working harder to focus.
But over time, that extra effort can lead to:
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- Blurry vision when doing close-up tasks
- Eye strain or fatigue
- Headaches, especially after reading
- Squinting
- Burning or aching eyes
- Avoiding tasks like reading or homework (in children)
If you or your child experiences any of these signs, it’s time for a comprehensive eye exam.
How Is Farsightedness Diagnosed?
An optometrist or ophthalmologist can diagnose farsightedness during a routine eye exam.
They may use tools like
- Visual acuity tests (eye charts)
- Refraction assessments to measure how light bends in your eye
- Retinoscopy (especially for young children)
- No pain, no fuss—just important insight into your vision health.
Treatment Options for Farsightedness
Eyeglasses
The simplest and most common option. Prescription lenses help light focus properly on the retina, making close-up tasks easier and more comfortable.
Glasses may be:
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- Worn all the time or just for reading/close work
- Made with single-vision, bifocal, or progressive lenses
Contact Lenses
Contact lenses provide a wider field of vision and may feel more natural than glasses, especially for active lifestyles.
They come in different types:
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- Daily disposables
- Monthly lenses
- Toric lenses (if you have astigmatism too)
Not everyone is a candidate for contacts, but your eye doctor can help you decide.
LASIK or Other Refractive Surgery
If you want to reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses, refractive surgery like LASIK or PRK may be an option.
These procedures reshape the cornea so that light focuses correctly on the retina. They’re generally safe and effective, but not ideal for everyone. Your age, prescription, and eye health will determine your eligibility.
Is Farsightedness the Same as Presbyopia
Not quite, though the symptoms are similar.
Presbyopia is age-related farsightedness. It happens when the eye’s natural lens loses flexibility over time, making it harder to focus on nearby objects. It usually starts after age 40.
Hyperopia (farsightedness) is often present from birth and related to the shape of the eyeball or cornea.
You can actually have both conditions at the same time, which is why proper diagnosis is important.
Living with Farsightedness
Farsightedness can be frustrating, but with the right tools and support, it doesn’t have to interfere with your daily life.
Tips for managing farsightedness:
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- Take breaks during close-up work (the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
- Keep your eyeglass prescription up to date
- Use good lighting when reading or working
- Blink regularly to keep your eyes moist and refreshed
Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet rich in eye-friendly nutrients like vitamins A and C and omega-3s
Conclusion
Farsightedness is common and manageable as long as it’s diagnosed and treated early.
Whether you’re squinting to read a text message or noticing your child holding books farther away, these are signs it’s time for an eye exam.
Schedule your comprehensive eye exam today with our optometrist, Dr. Jeffrey Porter, and his associates.
Our experienced eye doctors in Crystal Lake and Algonquin, IL, are dedicated to providing exceptional eye checkups to residents of Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Illinois, and surrounding areas.
Walmart Vision Center Crystal Lake, IL
815-477-4053
Walmart Vision Center Algonquin, IL
847-458-5796
