4 Ways to Correct Farsightedness (Hyperopia)

Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, is a common refractive error that affects the eyes’ ability to focus on nearby objects. Unlike myopia (nearsightedness), where close-up objects appear clear, individuals with hyperopia have clearer vision when looking at distant objects but experience difficulty seeing things up close. In this blog, we will explore what hyperopia is, its causes, and the various methods used to correct this refractive error.

Understanding Hyperopia

Hyperopia occurs when the eyeball is shorter than normal, or the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) has a flatter curvature. These differences in eye shape prevent light rays from focusing directly on the retina, causing them to focus behind the retina instead. As a result, close-up objects appear blurry, while distant objects remain relatively clear.

Correcting Hyperopia

There are several effective ways to correct hyperopia and improve vision clarity. Let’s explore some common methods:

1. Glasses

Glasses are a popular and convenient solution for correcting hyperopia. Prescribed eyeglasses have lenses with a positive power that helps to redirect incoming light rays, allowing them to focus correctly on the retina. The lenses provided in glasses compensate for the refractive error, allowing individuals with hyperopia to see both nearby and distant objects clearly.

2. Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are another excellent option for correcting hyperopia. Like glasses, contact lenses contain specific corrective powers to enhance near vision. They sit directly on the eye’s surface, providing a wider field of view and allowing natural eye movements. Contact lenses offer a more natural appearance and can be a preferred choice for individuals who are uncomfortable wearing glasses.

3. Refractive Surgery

Advancements in ophthalmic surgery have opened up new possibilities for correcting hyperopia. Procedures such as LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) and clear lens exchange offer long-term solutions without the need for continued use of glasses or contact lenses.

LASIK: LASIK surgery involves using a laser to reshape the cornea, enabling light to focus accurately on the retina. This precise and targeted reshaping corrects the refractive error and provides improved vision without the aid of glasses or contacts.

Clear Lens Exchange: Clear lens exchange, also called lens replacement surgery, involves removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure is a viable option for individuals with significant hyperopia or those who have concerns about other eye conditions such as cataracts.

4. Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology, commonly known as Ortho-K, is a non-surgical, reversible treatment for hyperopia. It involves wearing specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses overnight. These lenses reshape the cornea while you sleep, temporarily correcting the refractive error. Upon waking, the lenses are removed, and the cornea retains the new shape, allowing for clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or contacts.

Consultation with an Eye Care Professional

To determine the best method for correcting hyperopia, it is essential to consult with an eye care professional. They will perform a comprehensive eye examination to assess the degree of hyperopia and evaluate the overall health of the eyes. The eye care professional will then recommend the most suitable correction method based on the individual’s specific needs and lifestyle.

Our eye doctors at Neal Eye Group in Conshohocken, PA excel in the prescription of contact lenses, glasses and various eye diseases.  Call our optometrists at (610) 828-9701 or schedule an appointment online if you would like to learn more about hyperopia.  Our optometrists provide the highest quality optometry services and eye exams in Conshohocken, Norristown, Plymouth Meeting, Lafayette Hill, and Philadelphia.