Did you know that 14 million people in the United States are farsighted? In today’s post, your eye doctor from NOVA Vision Center answers some frequently asked questions about hyperopia, the medical term for farsightedness.
Q: What Causes Hyperopia?
Hyperopia occurs when the distance between the front and back parts of your eyes is too short. This condition tends to be hereditary, so if you have family members who are farsighted, you may be at a greater risk of developing the condition yourself.
Q: What Does It Mean to Be Farsighted?
Because of the abnormally short distance between the front and the back of the eye in a person with hyperopia, rays of light are incorrectly focused behind the retina rather than directly upon it. The hallmark symptom of hyperopia is blurry close-range vision, while your distant-range vision remains sharp. You may also experience headaches and eye strain whenever you read, work on the computer, or do other close-range work. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s best to undergo a complete eye exam as soon as possible.
Q: How Is It Different From Presbyopia?
You may have noticed that presbyopia, another refractive error, produces similar symptoms. The underlying cause, however, is different; presbyopia is an age-related condition that develops when your lenses lose their flexibility, while farsightedness tends to develop in childhood and is caused by an irregularity in the shape of the eye.
Q: How Is It Managed?
Wearing prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses is an effective way to manage hyperopia. We can help you look for glasses that complement your facial features and suit your lifestyle. We may also evaluate if you’re a good candidate for LASIK or other eyesight correction methods.
For more information about hyperopia, get in touch with us today at (703) 291-0080. You may also complete our form to request an appointment. We serve Falls Church, Arlington and the surrounding communities.