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Farsightedness

Definition

Farsightedness is difficulty seeing objects that are nearby.

Alternative Names

Hyperopia

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Farsightedness is the result of the visual image being focused behind the retina rather than directly on it. It may be caused by the eyeball being too small or the focusing power being too weak.

Farsightedness is often present from birth, but children have a very flexible eye lens, which helps make up for the problem. Most children outgrow the condition. As aging occurs, glasses or contact lenses may be required to correct the vision. If you have family members who are farsighted, you are also more likely to become farsighted.

Symptoms

• Blurred vision of close objects
• Eye strain
• Aching eyes
• Headache while reading
• Crossed eyes (strabismus) in children

Signs and tests

A general eye examination to evaluate hyperopia may include:

• Visual acuity
• Refraction
• Glaucoma testing
• Eye movements
• Slit-lamp
• Retinal examination

Treatment

Farsightedness is easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Surgical techniques are available for correcting farsightedness and can be used for those who do not wish to wear glasses or contacts.

Expectations (prognosis)

The outcome is expected to be good.

Complications

Farsightedness can be a risk factor for glaucoma and lazy eye.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider or ophthalmologist if symptoms of farsightedness develop and you have not had an eye examination recently.

Also, call if vision begins to get worse after you have been diagnosed with farsightedness.

Review Date:10/20/2006
Reviewed By:Manju Subramanian, MD, Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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