What is farsightedness (hyperopia)?
If you find it difficult to see things up close, you typically have problems with long-sightedness. Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, is a condition in which the eyes see objects more clearly at a distance. This is due to a defect in the structure of the eye, which impairs the eye’s ability to focus. Normally, the eye’s focus is concentrated on the retina itself, providing sharp vision. If you are farsighted, the eye’s focus is instead behind the retina. This causes objects to appear blurry if they are too close to the eye. How blurry your surroundings appear depends on the strength of your eyes, which is reflected in diopters. If you are farsighted, the diopters will be positive (+).
Why do people become long-sighted?
There can be many reasons why someone suffers from hyperopia. One of the most common causes is that farsightedness is congenital. Basically, all infants are born farsighted, and it is therefore a normal condition. If the child’s farsightedness exceeds the normal range and becomes an obstacle to the child’s well-being, it is necessary to have an eye exam. In addition to this, hyperopia can also occur as a result of diabetes or the use of medication that has a particular effect on the body. For this reason, it is wise to consult your doctor when taking medication so that you are aware of any side effects and risks of deterioration of your vision.
Myopia in children and adolescents
When it comes to farsightedness, it is good to be proactive—especially when it comes to children and young people. If you take early action, your child’s farsightedness can be improved to such an extent that the strength of their eyes is significantly reduced. In children, hyperopia often manifests itself as squinting. The eye tends to turn inward, making the eyes appear asymmetrical. Many parents will also notice that their child may bump into table legs or similar objects that the child would otherwise easily avoid. If any of these symptoms appear, it is important to make an appointment with an ophthalmologist immediately. A child with hyperopia should preferably be treated before the age of 6. If the child does not receive the right treatment, there is a risk that the child will develop a lazy eye, which will permanently impair their vision.
Can you become long-sighted with age?
Even if you are born with normal vision, your eyes continue to develop throughout your life. For this reason, many people experience a decline in their vision as they age. As we get older, the eye’s ability to focus on the world around us decreases. In everyday language, this is often referred to as ‘age-related vision loss’. Basically, there’s nothing you can do to stop this from happening. Luckily, if you notice your vision getting worse, it can often be easily treated with contact lenses or glasses.
How to detect long-sightedness
Many people live their lives without realizing that their vision is negatively affected by hyperopia. This may be because people with impaired vision have become accustomed to the discomfort of farsightedness. Most young people with hyperopia do not notice it in their daily lives. However, the older you get, the more obvious the symptoms become. If you find that you have to squint to see clearly, alarm bells should start ringing. People with farsightedness will usually find that their eyes tire more quickly if they have been reading, writing, or otherwise focusing on a specific object for a long period of time. Farsightedness can also lead to headaches and, in the worst case, blurred vision, which can make everyday life challenging. If you recognize any of these symptoms, it is important that you seek professional help so that you can see clearly again.
Operation for long-sightedness
Most people choose to treat their long-sightedness with glasses or contact lenses that are adapted to the strength of their eyes. However, glasses and contact lenses can often be a challenge in a busy everyday life. For example, it can be annoying when glasses fog up in cold weather or when contact lenses become dry when the humidity changes. For this reason, more and more people are choosing to have laser treatment. This procedure changes the refraction of the eye, altering and improving vision. However, not everyone with hyperopia is eligible for laser treatment. It all depends on the condition of the eyes. Before undergoing surgery, you must therefore be examined by an ophthalmologist, preferably one who specializes in this area. If you are approved for the procedure, it is important that you follow the ophthalmologist’s recommendations. Immediately after laser treatment, the eyes are more vulnerable than normal, so it is essential that you take extra care in the period after the operation.