Farsightedness
Overview
Farsightedness
(hyperopia) is a common vision condition in which you can see distant objects
clearly, but objects nearby may be blurry.
The
degree of your farsightedness influences your focusing ability. People with
severe farsightedness may be able to clearly see only objects a great distance
away, while those with mild farsightedness may be able to clearly see objects
that are closer.
Farsightedness
usually is present at birth and tends to run in families. You can easily
correct this condition with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Another treatment
option is surgery.
Symptoms
Farsightedness
may mean:
·
Nearby objects may appear blurry
·
You need to squint to see clearly
·
You have eyestrain, including burning eyes, and aching in or
around the eyes
·
You have general eye discomfort or a headache after doing close
tasks, such as reading, writing, computer work or drawing, for a time
When to see a doctor
If
your degree of farsightedness is pronounced enough that you can't perform a
task as well as you wish, or if your quality of vision detracts from your
enjoyment of activities, see an eye doctor. He or she can determine the degree
of your farsightedness and advise you of options to correct your vision.
Since
it may not always be readily apparent that you're having trouble with your
vision, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends the following
intervals for regular eye exams:
Adults
If
you're at high risk of certain eye diseases, such as glaucoma, get a dilated
eye exam every one to two years, starting at age 40.
If
you don't wear glasses or contacts, have no symptoms of eye trouble, and are at
a low risk of developing eye diseases, such as glaucoma, get an eye exam at the
following intervals:
·
An initial exam at 40
·
Every two to four years between ages 40 and 54
·
Every one to three years between ages 55 and 64
·
Every one to two years beginning at age 65
If
you wear glasses or contacts or you have a health condition that affects the
eyes, such as diabetes, you'll likely need to have your eyes checked regularly.
Ask your eye doctor how frequently you need to schedule your appointments. But,
if you notice problems with your vision, schedule an appointment with your eye
doctor as soon as possible, even if you've recently had an eye exam. Blurred
vision, for example, may suggest you need a prescription change, or it could be
a sign of another problem.
Children
and adolescents
Children
need to be screened for eye disease and have their vision tested by a
pediatrician, an ophthalmologist, an optometrist or another trained screener at
the following ages and intervals.
·
Age 6 months
·
Age 3 years
·
Before first grade and every two years during school years, at
well-child visits, or through school or public screenings
CAUSES
Your eye has two parts
that focus images:
·
The
cornea is the clear, dome-shaped
front surface of your eye.
·
The
lens is a clear
structure about the size and shape of an M&M's candy.
In a normally shaped
eye, each of these focusing elements has a perfectly smooth curvature, like the
surface of a marble. A cornea and lens with such curvature bend (refract) all
incoming light to make a sharply focused image directly on the retina, at the
back of your eye.
A refractive error
If your cornea or lens
isn't evenly and smoothly curved, light rays aren't refracted properly, and you
have a refractive error.
Farsightedness occurs
when your eyeball is shorter than normal or your cornea is curved too little.
The effect is the opposite of nearsightedness.
Other refractive
errors
In addition to
farsightedness, other refractive errors include:
·
Nearsightedness
(myopia). Nearsightedness
usually occurs when your eyeball is longer than normal or your cornea is curved
too steeply. Instead of being focused precisely on your retina, light is
focused in front of your retina, resulting in a blurry appearance for distant
objects.
·
Astigmatism. This occurs when your cornea or lens is
curved more steeply in one direction than it is in another. Uncorrected
astigmatism blurs your vision.
Complications
Farsightedness can be
associated with several problems, such as:
·
Crossed
eyes. Some children
with farsightedness may develop crossed eyes. Specially designed eyeglasses that
correct for part or all of the farsightedness may treat this problem.
·
Reduced
quality of life. With uncorrected
farsightedness, you might not be able to perform a task as well as you wish.
And your limited vision may detract from your enjoyment of day-to-day
activities.
·
Eyestrain. Uncorrected farsightedness may cause you
to squint or strain your eyes to maintain focus. This can lead to eyestrain and
headaches.
·
Impaired
safety. Your own safety
and that of others may be jeopardized if you have an uncorrected vision
problem. This could be especially serious if you are driving a car or operating
heavy equipment.
·
Financial
burden. The cost of
corrective lenses, eye exams and medical treatments can add up, especially with
a chronic condition such as farsightedness.
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