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Farsightedness (hyperopia) is a common vision condition in which you can see far objects clearly but not nearby items.
Your capacity to focus is affected by your degree of farsightedness. People with severe farsightedness may only be able to see objects that are far away, but those with mild farsightedness may be able to see objects that are closer.
Farsightedness is frequently present at birth and runs in families. This problem is easily corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Surgery is another therapy option.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF FARSIGHTEDNESS?
Farsightedness can be defined as:
- Close things may appear fuzzy.
- To see clearly, you must squint.
- You have eyestrain, which includes burning and aching in or around the eyes.
- You have general eye discomfort or a headache after performing close chores such as reading, writing, computer work, or sketching for an extended period of time.
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR?
Consult an eye doctor if your farsightedness is severe enough that you can't execute a task as well as you would want, or if your vision detracts from your pleasure of activities. He or she can assess the severity of your farsightedness and advise you on vision correction choices.
Because it is not always obvious that you are suffering vision problems, the American Academy of Ophthalmology advises the following intervals for routine eye exams:
Adults
If you are at high risk of certain eye illnesses, such as glaucoma, schedule a dilated eye test every one to two years beginning at the age of 40.
If you don't wear glasses or contacts, don't have any signs of eye trouble, and are at a low risk of acquiring eye illnesses like glaucoma, schedule an eye checkup at the following intervals:
- An initial examination at the age of 40
- Between the ages of 40 and 54, every two to four years.
- Between the ages of 55 and 64, every one to three years.
- Beginning at the age of 65, every one to two years
If you use glasses or contacts or have an eye ailment, such as diabetes, you should have your eyes tested on a regular basis. Inquire with your eye doctor about how regularly you should schedule appointments. However, if you detect any difficulties with your eyesight, see your eye doctor as soon as possible, even if you've recently had an eye test. Blurred vision, for example, could indicate that you need to modify your prescription, or it could be an indication of something else.
Adolescents and children
At the following ages and intervals, children should be examined for eye illness and have their vision evaluated by a pediatrician, an ophthalmologist, an optometrist, or another certified screener.
- 6 months old
- 3 years old
- Before first grade, and every two years thereafter, at well-child appointments, or through school or public screenings
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF FARSIGHTEDNESS?
Your eye has two components that focus images:
- The cornea is your eye's transparent, dome-shaped front surface.
- The lens is a distinct structure roughly the size and shape of an M&M's candy.
Each of these focusing parts in a properly formed eye has a completely smooth curvature, similar to the surface of a marble. Curvature of the cornea and lens bends (refracts) all incoming light to form a finely focused image right on the retina at the back of your eye.
A refractive error
Light rays are not refracted properly if your cornea or lens is not evenly and smoothly curved, and you have a refractive error.
Farsightedness happens when your eyeball is too short or your cornea is too flat. The result is the inverse of nearsightedness.
Other refractive errors
Other refractive defects than farsightedness include:
- Nearsightedness (myopia): Nearsightedness happens when your eyeball is longer than normal or your cornea is too sharply bent. Light is focused in front of your retina rather than directly on your retina, resulting in a fuzzy appearance for distant objects.
- Astigmatism: This happens when your cornea or lens is more bent in one way than the other. Uncorrected astigmatism causes vision blur.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF FARSIGHTEDNESS?
Farsightedness is linked to a number of issues, including:
- Crossed eyes: Children who are farsighted may acquire crossed eyes. This issue may be treated with specially constructed eyeglasses that correct for part or all of the farsightedness.
- Eyestrain: To maintain focus, uncorrected farsightedness may require you to squint or strain your eyes. This might cause headaches and eyestrain.
- Impaired safety: If you have an uncorrected vision condition, your safety and the safety of others may be threatened. This is especially dangerous if you are driving a car or using heavy machinery.
- Financial burden: Corrective lenses, eye exams, and medical treatments can be expensive, especially if you have a persistent issue like farsightedness.
- Reduced life quality: Uncorrected farsightedness may prevent you from performing a task as well as you would like. Furthermore, your reduced vision may interfere with your enjoyment of daily activities.
HOW IS FARSIGHTEDNESS DIAGNOSED?
A basic eye exam, which includes a refraction assessment and an eye health exam, is used to determine farsightedness.
A refraction test detects whether you have nearsightedness or farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia. To evaluate your distant and close-up vision, your doctor may use several devices and ask you to gaze through various lenses.
For the eye health checkup, your eye doctor will most likely place drops in your eyes to dilate your pupils. This may cause your eyes to be more sensitive to light for a few hours after the exam. Dilation allows your doctor to see more of the inside of your eyes.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR FARSIGHTEDNESS?
Farsightedness is treated by using corrective lenses or refractive surgery to help focus light on the retina.
Prescription lenses
Treatment is not always required in young people because the crystalline lenses inside the eyes are flexible enough to compensate for the condition. Depending on how farsighted you are, you may require prescription glasses to improve your near vision. This is especially common as you become older and your eye lenses become less flexible.
Farsightedness is treated by wearing prescription lenses, which compensate for the decreased curvature of your cornea or the smaller size (length) of your eye. Prescription lenses are classified as follows:
- Eyeglasses: This is a straightforward and risk-free method for sharpening eyesight caused by farsightedness. There is a vast range of eyeglass lenses available, including single vision, bifocals, trifocals, and progressive multifocals.
- Contact lenses: These lenses are placed directly on your eyes. They are available in a range of materials and designs, such as soft and rigid, gas permeable, spherical, toric, multifocal, and monovision. Inquire with your eye doctor about the benefits and drawbacks of contact lenses and what may be best for you.
Refractive surgery
The majority of refractive surgical treatments are intended to correct nearsightedness, although they can also be used to treat mild to moderate farsightedness. Farsightedness is corrected surgically by changing the curve of your cornea. Methods of refractive surgery include:
- Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK): Your eye surgeon will insert a thin, hinged flap into your cornea during this surgery. He or she next uses a laser to correct the farsightedness by adjusting the curves of the cornea. LASIK procedure usually results in a faster recovery and less discomfort than other corneal surgeries.
- Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK): The surgeon just makes an ultra-thin flap in the outer protective coating of the cornea (epithelium). He or she then uses a laser to restructure the outer layers of the cornea, modifying its curve, before replacing the epithelium.
- Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK): This technique is similar to LASEK in that the surgeon entirely eliminates the epithelium before reshaping the cornea with a laser. The epithelium is not replaced, but rather grows back naturally to correspond to the altered shape of your cornea.
Discuss the potential negative effects of refractive surgery with your doctor.
HOME REMEDIES FOR FARSIGHTEDNESS
Although you cannot avoid farsightedness, you may help protect your eyes and eyesight by following these guidelines:
- Have your eyes examined: Even if you see well, do this on a regular basis.
- Control chronic health problems: Diabetes and high blood pressure, for example, might impair your vision if not addressed.
- Consume healthy foods: Consume plenty of leafy greens, veggies, and fruits. Furthermore, research show that including seafood high in omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, such as tuna and salmon, benefits your eyes.
- Don't smoke: Just as smoking is bad for your overall health, it can also be bad for your eyes.
- Use the appropriate corrective lenses: The appropriate lenses will improve your vision. Regular examinations will ensure that your medication is proper.
- Sunglasses should be used to protect your eyes from the sun: Wear sunglasses that block off ultraviolet (UV) rays.
- Avoid eye damage: Wear protective eyewear when participating in sports, mowing the yard, painting, or using other products that emit harmful fumes.
- Use good lighting: To see better, increase or add light.
- Reduce your eyestrain: Every 20 minutes, look away from your computer or near-task activities, including reading, for 20 seconds at something 20 feet away.
Consult your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: Sudden loss of vision in one eye, with or without discomfort; hazy or blurry vision; double vision; or visual flashes of light, black patches, or halos around lights This could indicate a major medical or ocular ailment.