Understanding Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Hyperopia, also known as Farsightedness, is a common refractive error that causes difficulty seeing objects that are close to the eye. While mild farsightedness may not require treatment, moderate to severe farsightedness can cause significant vision problems that impact daily life. If you are experiencing symptoms of hyperopia (farsightedness), such as blurred vision, eye strain, or headaches, it is important to schedule a comprehensive eye care exam with our experienced optometrist in Bellflower for a comprehensive eye exam.

Are You Struggling to See Objects Up Close? Learn More About Hyperopia (Farsightedness) Symptoms

Here are some of the most common symptoms of hyperopia:

Blurry vision

Patients with hyperopia often experience blurry vision when looking at objects up close. This can make it difficult to read, write, or perform other tasks that require close-up vision.

Eye strain

People with hyperopia may also experience eye strain or fatigue when performing tasks that require near vision. This can be particularly noticeable when reading, writing, or using a computer for extended periods of time.

Headaches

Hyperopia can also cause headaches, particularly after performing tasks that require close-up vision. This can be due to the increased strain on the eye muscles as they try to focus light properly.

Squinting

Patients with hyperopia may find themselves squinting in an effort to see objects more clearly. Squinting can help to temporarily improve vision by narrowing the amount of light entering the eye and improving focus.

Difficulty with night vision

Hyperopia can also cause difficulty with night vision, particularly when driving. This is because the eye may struggle to adjust to changes in light levels, making it difficult to see clearly in low-light conditions.

Struggling to see objects at a distance

While hyperopia is typically associated with difficulty seeing objects up close, it can also cause problems with distance vision. Patients may find it difficult to see objects in the distance, such as road signs or television screens.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or if you are concerned about your vision in general, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at our optometry clinic. A comprehensive eye exam can help to diagnose hyperopia and other vision problems, and we can provide you with personalized recommendations for treatment, including glasses, contact lenses, or vision therapy. Please call at (562) 925-6591 to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.

Uncovering the Causes of Hyperopia (Farsightedness)

Genetics

One of the most common causes of hyperopia is genetics. This means that if one or both of your parents have hyperopia, you are more likely to develop the condition.

Abnormal eye shape

Hyperopia can also be caused by an abnormal shape of the eye. Specifically, if the eye is too short or the cornea is too flat, it can cause light to be focused behind the retina rather than on it, resulting in blurred vision.

Age

As we age, the lens in our eye becomes less flexible, which can make it more difficult to focus on nearby objects. This can lead to hyperopia developing later in life.

Underlying health conditions

Certain medical conditions can also cause hyperopia, such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis. These conditions can affect the nerves that control the muscles in the eye, leading to difficulty focusing.

Medications

Certain medications, such as those used to treat allergies or anxiety, can also cause hyperopia as a side effect.

Eye surgery

In some cases, hyperopia can be a result of previous eye surgery. This can occur if the surgery alters the shape of the cornea, making it more difficult for the eye to focus properly.

From Glasses to Surgery: Your Guide to Hyperopia (Farsightedness) Treatment Options

Prescription glasses

Prescription eyeglasses are a simple and effective way to correct farsightedness. The lenses in the glasses are designed to bend light in a way that compensates for the eye's inability to focus properly. There are a number of different types of lenses that can be used, including single vision lenses, bifocal lenses, and progressive lenses. We can help you choose the right type of glasses at our Bellflower optical based on your specific eyewear needs and preferences.

Contact lenses

Contact lenses are another option for correcting farsightedness. Like eyeglasses, contact lenses work by bending light to compensate for the eye's inability to focus properly. Contact lenses offer the added benefit of being nearly invisible, but they do require more maintenance than eyeglasses. There are a number of different types of contact lenses available, including soft lenses, rigid gas permeable lenses, and hybrid lenses. We can help you choose the right type of contact lenses with the help of our optometrist based on your lifestyle and preferences.

Refractive surgery

Refractive surgery is a type of surgery that is used to correct farsightedness by reshaping the cornea. The most common type of refractive surgery for farsightedness is LASIK, which uses a laser to reshape the cornea. Other types of refractive surgery that may be used to correct farsightedness include PRK and LASEK. Refractive surgery is typically only recommended for patients with moderate to severe farsightedness who are not good candidates for glasses or contact lenses.

Vision therapy

For most people the use of glasses or contact lenses for farsightedness is enough. However in some cases vision therapy may be recommended by our eye doctor. Vision Therapy is a type of therapy that is used to improve the eye's ability to focus and to strengthen the eye muscles. Vision therapy typically involves a series of exercises that are designed to improve eye coordination, improve the ability to focus on objects, and improve the ability to see objects in three dimensions. Vision therapy is typically only recommended for patients with mild to moderate farsightedness and may be combined with the use of prism lenses.

Monovision

Monovision is a technique that is used to correct farsightedness in patients who are over the age of 40 and who also have presbyopia, which is a condition that causes difficulty focusing on close objects. Monovision involves correcting one eye for distance vision and the other eye for close-up vision. This allows the patient to see both distant and close objects clearly without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Multifocal intraocular lenses

Multifocal intraocular lenses are a type of lens implant that can be used to correct farsightedness and presbyopia. These lenses are surgically implanted in the eye during cataract surgery, and they work by providing multiple focal points that allow the patient to see both distant and close objects clearly.

From Glasses to Surgery: Your Guide to Hyperopia (Farsightedness) Treatment Options

How can I find an eye doctor near me?

If you don’t already have a trusted optometrist or you live too far from our optometry clinic in Bellflower, you could start your online search by typing in phrases such as "eye doctor near me," "optometrist near me," or "eye specialist near me."

Common Questions

What is the term hyperopia?

Hyperopia, commonly known as farsightedness, is a refractive error of the eye that affects the ability to see nearby objects clearly. People with hyperopia can see distant objects clearly, but objects up close may appear blurry. Hyperopia is a common vision problem that affects people of all ages.

What is the main cause of hyperopia?

The main cause of hyperopia is the shape of the eye. In a hyperopic eye, the eyeball is shorter than usual, or the cornea is less curved than it should be. As a result, light entering the eye focuses behind the retina instead of on it. This causes images of close objects to appear blurred.

What does hyperopia do to the eye?

Hyperopia causes the eye to have difficulty focusing on objects that are up close. The lens of the eye needs to work harder to focus light onto the retina to create a clear image. As a result, people with hyperopia may experience symptoms such as eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision when looking at close objects.

What are two causes of hyperopia?

There are several factors that can contribute to hyperopia, including genetics and age. Hyperopia tends to run in families, and people with parents who are hyperopic are more likely to develop the condition themselves. Additionally, as people age, the lens of the eye becomes less flexible, making it harder to focus on close objects.

Can hyperopia lead to blindness?

Untreated hyperopia does not typically lead to blindness. However, if left uncorrected, hyperopia can cause significant eye strain and discomfort, which can affect a person's quality of life. Additionally, people with hyperopia may be at an increased risk for other eye conditions, such as glaucoma or retinal detachment.

Can hyperopia be corrected?

Yes, hyperopia can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. Glasses and contacts work by changing the way light enters the eye, so that it focuses correctly on the retina. Refractive surgery, such as LASIK or PRK, reshapes the cornea to improve the eye's ability to focus light.

What age does hyperopia stop?

Hyperopia can develop at any age, but it tends to stabilize in adulthood. Most people with hyperopia will notice that their vision stabilizes around the age of 20-30, although some may experience changes in their vision as they age.

How can I fix hyperopia naturally?

There is no way to cure hyperopia naturally. However, there are several things you can do to help manage symptoms, such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and practicing good eye health and hygiene. Additionally, taking frequent breaks when reading or using a computer can help reduce eyestrain.

Do people with hyperopia need glasses?

People with hyperopia typically require some form of correction, such as glasses or contact lenses, to see clearly. Without correction, people with hyperopia may experience symptoms such as headaches, eyestrain, and blurred vision. Additionally, hyperopia can increase the risk of other eye conditions, such as amblyopia or strabismus, which can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.

Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam Today: Take Control of Your Hyperopia (Farsightedness)!

If you are experiencing blurry near vision or are struggling with eye strain and headaches, it's important to get your eyes checked by our experienced optometrist. Our team of experienced professionals is here to help diagnose and treat your hyperopia (farsightedness) through a comprehensive eye exam. Don't let untreated hyperopia affect your quality of life - schedule an appointment with our optometrist at our optometry clinic today by calling (562) 925-6591 or visiting us in Bellflower. We look forward to helping you see the world more clearly!

Patients who are farsighted visit our clinic from all over California, and we are proud to be a leading provider of comprehensive eye care services for patients from Bellflower, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Los Angeles.

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Testimonials

I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.

Claire A.

Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.

Jim K.

My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!

Teresa S.

The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.

Joe M.

I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.

Kayla W.

This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.

Very professional staff and pleasant.