Farsightedness, also known as hyperopia, is a common refractive error of the eye in which distant objects appear clearly, but close objects appear blurry. The condition occurs when the eye is too short, or the cornea is too flat, which causes light to focus incorrectly on the retina.
Symptoms of farsightedness include difficulty seeing close objects, such as books or smartphones, squinting, and eye strain. The condition is usually present from birth, but it can also develop as a result of aging.
Myopia control is a treatment option that is used to slow the progression of myopia in the pediatric population. The use of special lenses or drops are employed to decrease the rate of change that is commonly seen in patients well into their 20’s. We currently use soft contact lenses that have a similar multifocal design to them as well as ortho-K lenses that are worn overnight.
The most common treatment for farsightedness for adults is corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses. These lenses work by bending the light entering the eye in such a way that it is focused correctly on the retina. Other refractive errors of the eye include myopia, or nearsightedness, and astigmatism.
In recent years, there have been advances in laser refractive surgery, such as LASIK and PRK, which can be used to correct farsightedness by reshaping the cornea. These procedures use a laser to remove small amounts of tissue from the cornea, which changes its shape and corrects the refractive error.
Another treatment option is Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) which is a non-surgical method that uses custom-made contact lenses to reshape the cornea during sleep. Ortho-K and LASIK are limited in the amount and ability to correct hyperopia and are more commonly used to treat myopia, or nearsightedness.
It is important for people with farsightedness to have regular eye exams to monitor the progression of their condition and to adjust their prescription as needed.
Overall, farsightedness is a common condition that can be effectively treated with corrective lenses, laser surgery, or Ortho-K. With proper management, people with farsightedness can enjoy clear vision and good eye health.
