Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness or hypermetropia, is a common but often overlooked refractive error. While myopia (nearsightedness) grabs headlines due to digital screen time and rising childhood diagnoses, hyperopia quietly affects millions—especially children and older adults. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about hyperopia, its causes, symptoms, and how modern vision correction treatments are transforming lives.
What Is Hyperopia?
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a condition where distant objects appear clearer than nearby ones. It occurs when light entering the eye focuses behind the retina instead of directly on it, typically due to a shorter-than-average eyeball or a flatter cornea. This can cause blurred near vision and eye strain, particularly during tasks like reading or using a phone.
Definition:
Hyperopia is a vision condition where the eye focuses images behind the retina, making close objects appear blurry while distant vision remains clearer.
Symptoms of Hyperopia
The symptoms of hyperopia can vary depending on age and severity. Common signs include:
- Blurred vision, especially up close
- Eyestrain or headaches after reading or screen time
- Squinting to see clearly
- Difficulty concentrating on near tasks.
Children with hyperopia may not complain of blurry vision, but may struggle with reading or have frequent eye rubbing.
Adults may notice worsening symptoms with age, especially when combined with presbyopia, the natural aging of the lens.
What Causes Hyperopia- Farsightedness?
Hyperopia is usually inherited and caused by physical characteristics of the eye:
Shorter axial length
In people with hyperopia, the eyeball is slightly shorter than normal from front to back. This means that when light enters the eye, it focuses behind the retina instead of directly on it. As a result, near objects can appear blurry because the focal point doesn’t align with the eye’s light-sensitive layer.
This diagram shows the different types of vision and how they are affected by the way light focuses on the retina at the back of the eye.
Flat cornea
The cornea is the transparent front surface of the eye that bends incoming light. A flatter-than-normal cornea has less curvature, which reduces its focusing power. This means light rays aren’t bent sharply enough to land directly on the retina, again resulting in a focus point that is too far back in the eye.
Thin lens
The crystalline lens inside the eye also plays a vital role in focusing. In hyperopia, the lens may be thinner or less convex than average, reducing its ability to bend light effectively. This can compound the problem caused by a short eye or flat cornea, further contributing to blurry near vision.
It may be present at birth and change over time. Many children are born slightly farsighted and may naturally outgrow it as their eyes develop.
| Condition | Description | Affects Near Vision? | Affects Distance Vision? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyperopia | Light focuses behind the retina | Yes | Usually clear |
| Myopia | Light focuses in front of the retina | Usually clear | Yes |
| Astigmatism | Irregular shape of cornea or lens | Yes | Yes |
Self-check Tip: If you notice headaches after reading, but can see road signs clearly, hyperopia could be the cause.
Diagnosing Hyperopia – What Happens During an Eye Test?
Diagnosing hyperopia involves a comprehensive eye examination with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. The process may include:
- Visual acuity test (reading letters on a chart)
- Refraction assessment to determine prescription
- Retinoscopy, especially for children
- Pupil dilation to evaluate internal eye structures.
Children may undergo additional tests, as they can compensate for hyperopia by adjusting their focus without realising it.
Can Hyperopia Get Worse With Age?
Yes. While some children outgrow mild hyperopia, in many adults, it can remain stable or worsen over time—especially when combined with presbyopia, which reduces the eye’s ability to focus on near objects after age 40.
In older adults, hyperopia may also contribute to visual fatigue when using digital devices or reading.
Treatment Options for Hyperopia
Depending on severity, lifestyle, and age, several options are available to manage or correct hyperopia:
Glasses
- Most common correction
- Offers flexible, non-invasive vision improvement
Contact Lenses
- Great for active lifestyles
- May not be suitable for dry eyes or younger children
Laser Eye Surgery
- LASIK – Reshapes the cornea to improve focus
- PRK/LASEK – Surface procedures for thinner corneas or dry eyes
- Typically suitable for mild to moderate hyperopia
Implantable Contact Lenses (ICLs)
- For patients unsuitable for laser correction
- A phakic lens is placed inside the eye
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
- Lens is replaced with a synthetic one
- Often used for patients over 45 or with presbyopia
Living With Farsightedness in a Digital World
Although hyperopia is often associated with clear distance vision, it can still cause digital eye strain. Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue after screen use
- Trouble reading text messages or menus
- Need to zoom in or hold devices at arm’s length.
3 Top Tips Tips for relief
- Use the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 mins, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
- Blue light filtering glasses
- Maintain proper screen distance and lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions At EuroEyes – London
Is hyperopia the same as farsightedness? Yes, hyperopia is another term for farsightedness.
Can LASIK fix hyperopia? Yes, LASIK and other laser procedures can treat mild to moderate hyperopia. Suitability depends on corneal thickness and eye health.
Do children outgrow hyperopia? Mild hyperopia may reduce as a child’s eyes develop. Regular eye checks are essential to monitor changes.
What is the difference between hyperopia and presbyopia? Presbyopia is age-related difficulty focusing on near objects, typically starting after 40. Hyperopia can be present at any age.
The Future of Vision Correction for Hyperopia
While myopia is in the spotlight, hyperopia deserves equal attention—especially as adults live longer, and digital strain grows. With advancements in laser and lens-based treatments, more people can now access tailored solutions for clear, stress-free vision.
If you suspect you’re farsighted or struggling with near vision, book a comprehensive eye test. Early diagnosis and modern treatment options can significantly improve quality of life—today and in the years ahead.
