What Does Farsighted Mean & What Can You Do About It?
- BY Alyssa Buchanan
- IN Eye Care
Photo by Ksenia Chernaya
Is your vision not as clear as it could be? With over 150 million Americans having refractive errors, many are unaware of this vision problem. Refractive errors, such as nearsightedness and farsightedness, occur when the eye struggles to bend or refract light correctly. Let’s explore the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatments of being farsighted. Remember, whether you are nearsighted or farsighted, Zenni offers an affordable and stylish eyewear solution, ensuring clarity and comfort in every frame.
What is Farsightedness?
Farsightedness, or hyperopia, is a common vision issue affecting about 30% of adults and 4% of children globally. Typically present at birth and often hereditary, hyperopia makes seeing nearby objects challenging. Although it’s an eye disorder rather than a disease, it can be easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Some choose surgery for permanent vision improvement, though eligibility varies among individuals.
Understanding Symptoms of Hypermetropia
Hypermetropia often develops early in life, with mild cases potentially going unnoticed for years. Farsighted children or young adults may exert significant effort to focus on close objects, leading to various vision issues over time, including amblyopia or lazy eye, and potential vision loss.
People who are farsighted may have:
- Blurry vision: Farsighted individuals often struggle to see nearby objects clearly, experiencing a blurred or distorted view.
- Difficulty reading: People with hypermetropia may struggle to focus on close-up tasks like reading, particularly for extended periods. Text may appear fuzzy or out of focus, leading to strain, headaches, and fatigue.
- Difficulty driving at night: Farsightedness can cause challenges with night driving and lead to trouble seeing objects or road signs clearly, especially in low-light conditions.
- Eye strain: Focusing on nearby objects for prolonged periods can cause eye strain if you’re farsighted, leading to discomfort, headaches, and eye fatigue.
- Dull pain in the eyes: Some individuals with hypermetropia may experience an achy sensation, especially after engaging in tasks that require close-up vision.
Causes of Farsightedness
Farsightedness is mainly caused by the eye’s shape affecting how light is refracted. The cornea and lens, responsible for focusing images, should ideally have a smooth curvature to bend incoming light accurately. However, if the cornea is too flat or there’s insufficient front-to-back eye distance, this balance is disrupted. As a result, light entering the eye fails to fully reach the retina, causing objects up close to appear blurry or fuzzy.
Photo by Antoni Shkraba
How Will My Eye Doctor Check for Farsightedness?
Farsightedness is diagnosed during an eye examination, which can involve several tests, including:
- Visual acuity test: During this test, you’ll be asked to read letters on a chart at different distances to assess how clearly you can see near and distant objects.
- Refraction test: Your eye doctor will use a phoropter to measure your eyes’ refractive error and determine the appropriate prescription for corrective lenses.
- Retinoscopy: Your doctor may also shine a light into your eyes and observe how it reflects off your retina to estimate your refractive error.
- Pupil dilation: Your doctor may administer eye drops to dilate your pupils, allowing for a more thorough examination of the retina and optic nerve.
How To Correct Farsightedness
Wondering if farsightedness can be corrected? Fortunately, yes—methods include eyeglasses, contact lenses, and surgery. Eyeglasses, a popular choice, adjust light entry to compensate for the refractive error, providing clearer vision with convex lenses. Prescribed by your eye doctor, these lenses are easy to use, affordable, and versatile.
Pick Your Perfect Pair at Zenni
Don’t let hyperopia keep you from seeing life clearly. Explore our wide selection of glasses for both men and women, designed to match your facial structure and unique lifestyle. From reading to driving, Zenni is your ultimate destination for clear vision and effortless style.
