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Hyperopia is a refractive error in the eye where people are able to see distant objects clearly but objects up close seem blurry.
Hyperopia is the result of the visual image being focused behind the retina, rather than directly on it. It is called long-sightedness, as your long (or distance) vision is often better than your close vision, although in some cases it affects both.
In most cases hyperopia is due to the eyeball being smaller than normal. Because of this, when the eye is fully relaxed, vision is focused behind the back of the eye (retina) and vision is blurred.
Comfortable clear vision is difficult if not impossible unless the power of the eye is increased, either by the eye increasing its focusing effort, or by using spectacles or contact lenses.
For low amounts of hyperopia, young eyes will often make the necessary focusing effort without any eyestrain or discomfort. The greater the hyperopia the greater the effort needed for clear vision, especially for close work.
Eighty per cent of children are born slightly longsighted and develop normal vision as they grow. Since the size of an eye is the main factor governing focus and eyes continue to grow until about age 25, long-sighted eyes tend to become less longsighted as a child grows. Despite this, some people remain hyperopic throughout life.
Visual disorders caused by poorly focused vision are usually inherited. Eyes with these simple disorders are capable of good vision and require no treatment apart from an optical correction. Because most changes in hyperopia are due to normal growth they happen regardless of factors such as the amount of close work done, rest, vitamins and exercises.
Spectacles do not strengthen or weaken vision in fully developed eyes (after about age five). They merely allow the wearer to see more clearly and comfortably and their use is not habit forming.
All eyes slowly lose their focusing ability with increasing age. Because of this most people, (even those with perfect distance vision), need reading spectacles sometime in their forties. Later in life a person with hyperopia also needs spectacles to give clear distance vision.
If you have not had an eye exam in the last two years or are experiencing blurred vision, early eye fatigue or headaches, pay a visit to your optometrist They will be able to discuss this with you as part of evaluating treatment options best suited to your hyperopia.
Prescription glasses
Prescription spectacle lenses help focus light inside the eye improving the comfort and clarity of vision. You may need a different degree of correction in either eye.
Contact lenses
A wide range of contact lens technologies are available in both hard and soft materials, and include options for extended wear.
Refractive surgery
In certain cases, refractive surgery may be a permanent solution. Ask your optometrist for more information and an assessment to see if this is suitable for you.
Kiwi's know that good things take time, so come to us, have the tests done without feeling that you have been "rushed thru", and you'll know what we mean when we say "we take the time!"
Book appointmentKiwi's know that good things take time, so come to us, have the tests done without feeling that you have been "rushed thru", and you'll know what we mean when we say "we take the time!"
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