HYPEROPIA (LONG SIGHTEDNESS)
Long sightedness, or hyperopia is a common eye condition where distance vision is clear but It can cause close-up objects to appear blurry. Some people with hyperopia can focus on close objects but the eyes have to work harder to adjust which results in tired or sore eyes. Hyperopia occurs when the eyeball is too short. With normal vision, light enters the eye and comes to focus on the retina. Long sightedness causes light waves from close objects to focus behind the retina, rather than on it. This condition results in anything viewed close up appearing blurred or the eyes having to work extra hard to focus.
Many children are born with long sightedness but often the eyeball grows to a normal shape over time and vision becomes normal. If the condition persists, common symptoms can include headaches, eye strain, eye rubbing, frequent blinking and difficulty focusing. Poor concentration or fatigue when performing near tasks like reading may also be noticeable.
In mild cases of hyperopia the eyes may be able to compensate and adjust the focus without the need for glasses or other visual aids. For those with mild long sightedness that spend a lot of time in close-up activities such as reading, tired or sore eyes may result.
Long sightedness is not always easily detected and your optometrist may need to test how well the eyes focus in addition to a standard vision test. The most common treatment for hyperopia is prescription glasses for use when performing near activities. Contact lenses or refractive laser eye surgery may be an option for adults but are not recommended for children. Treatment is often not necessary for this condition.
Long sightedness is not always easily detected and your optometrist may need to test how well the eyes focus in addition to a standard vision test. The most common treatment for hyperopia is prescription glasses for use when performing near activities. Contact lenses or refractive laser eye surgery may be an option for adults but are not recommended for children. Treatment is often not necessary for this condition.