Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a common vision condition affecting about 25% of the U.S. population. People with hyperopia can usually see distant objects well, but have difficulty seeing objects that are up close.

Signs and Symptoms of Hyperopia

Farsighted people sometimes have headaches or eyestrain, and may squint or feel fatigued when performing work at close range. If you get these symptoms while wearing your glasses or contact lenses, you may need an eye exam and a new prescription.

What Causes Hyperopia?

Farsightedness occurs when light rays entering the eye focus behind the retina, rather than directly on it. The eyeball of a farsighted person is often shorter than average. Many children are born with hyperopia, and some of them “outgrow” it as the eyeball lengthens with normal growth.

People sometimes confuse hyperopia with presbyopia, which also involves difficulty with seeing up close. Whereas people can be born with hyperopia, presbyopia has a different cause and occurs after age 40.

Hyperopia Treatment

Eyeglasses or contact lenses can correct farsightedness by changing the way light rays bend into the eyes. If your eyeglasses or contact lens prescription begins with plus numbers, for example +2.50, you are farsighted.

Depending on the amount of farsightedness you have, you may need to wear your eyeglasses or contacts all the time, only when reading, working on a computer, or doing other near vision tasks. Refractive surgery, such as LASIK or PRK, is another option for correcting hyperopia.