Far-sightedness

Hyperopia or far-sightedness is an eye disorder, wherein the affected person finds it difficult to focus on objects that are close by. It is fairly common, affecting about 1 in 4. People with hyperopia find simple tasks like reading a book difficult, as they cannot focus on the print.{{more}} More severe cases also have trouble focusing clearly on objects in the distance, such as highway signs. The occurrence of hyperopia increases with age, and it has been found that at least 50% of people over the age of 65 have some degree of far-sightedness. Fortunately, there are now more ways than ever before to correct this eye disorder.

Hyperopia (like astigmatism and myopia or near-sightedness) is a refractive error. This means that light rays bend incorrectly into the eye to transmit images to the brain. Hyperopia occurs when light entering the eye focuses behind the retina, rather than directly on it. This may be due to an abnormally flat cornea or short eye.

Hyperopia is often hereditary and may be present at birth. However, many children outgrow it.

Far-sightedness can easily be diagnosed during a basic eye exam given by an eye doctor. But symptoms such as headaches, eye strain, difficulty focusing on nearby objects,fatigue or headache after performing tasks that require close focus, such as reading, are also indications of hyperopia. People wearing glasses or contact lenses who still experience these symptoms may need a new prescription.

To correct hyperopia, you must change the way light rays bend when entering the eye. Glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery can all be used to correct this disorder.

Whether you will have to wear glasses or contact lenses all the time, or only when you need to see objects up close, depends on the extent of hyperopia present. With hyperopia, the prescription will be a positive number, like +1.00. The higher the number, the stronger the lenses will be.

For those who prefer not to wear glasses or contact lenses, refractive surgery is the answer. It can reduce or even eliminate the need to wear glasses or contact lenses.

There is now a new procedure used to correct mild forms of hyperopia. This is the implantation of plastic corneal rings called Intacs, which also alter the shape of the cornea. The biggest advantage of the rings is that they can be removed in case there is a problem. They can even be adjusted if a prescription change becomes necessary.

Your eye doctor can advise you on which treatment is best for you.

Dr Kenneth Onu is a resident Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Beachmont Eye Institute/Eyes R Us Send questions to: Beachmont@gmail.com

Tel: 784 456-1210