Hyperopia (aka farsightedness) is a visual condition in which distant objects appear clearer than up close objects including computer screen and reading. This usually happens when the eyeball is relatively shorter in length or the corneal curvature is flatter than average.
Cool fact: We are all born with hyperopia!
Babies are born with a moderate degree of hyperopia, and grow out of this on their own as their eyes develop. It becomes a problem when they don't fully grow out of it and it affects their visual acuity.
Symptoms of Hyperopia:
Blurred vision, near more than distance
Eye strain
fatigue/headaches
Vision testing and screening done in grade schools are not effective at detecting hyperopia because only the child’s far vision is tested.
This is why our optometrist recommends a child’s eye health exam should be between 6-12 months and then should continue on annually.
So how is hyperopia treated?
Dr. Steve is able to diagnose hyperopia through our comprehensive exam and recommend treatment options tailored to our clients. Treatment options for myopia:
Eyeglasses - easy fix!
Contact lenses - improved over the years for better moisture and comfort. Great option for our active and outdoor enthusiasts.
Refractive surgery - Dr. Steve does not recommend this option for most of his clients as the surgery is intended to correct far vision, not near.
About the Author
Dr. Steven Hoang received his Doctor of Optometry at the University of Waterloo. He serves as the owner and full-time eye doctor of Inglewood and Ramsay at Respect Eyecare. His special interest is in contact lenses and dry eye syndrome.
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