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Medically Reviewed
Written by Pooja Rawat, Medical Content Writer
Have you ever noticed that you have an easier time seeing objects that are far away (at least 6 meters, or almost 20 feet) but struggle to read a message on your phone? Or perhaps you have difficulty focusing your eyes on things that are close up and experience headaches after reading for just a few minutes?
If yes, then you may have hypermetropia, commonly known as farsightedness or hyperopia.
The common causes of farsightedness include:
- Having an eyeball that is relatively short (from front to back)
- A cornea that is flatter than expected
- Having a genetic component
The symptoms may include:
- Blurry vision, particularly when looking at things that are close to your face
- Blurred vision
- Fatigued eyes at night
- Trouble reading
- Double vision when reading
- Dull pain in your eye
- Eye strain
- Squinting when reading
Farsightedness is diagnosed by a basic eye examination, which includes a refraction assessment and an eye health exam. Your doctor may help correct hyperopia by recommending eyeglasses, contact lenses and surgery. Continue reading this blog to know in more detail.
Quick Overview: Hypermetropia Details
Read this table to have a quick idea about myopia:
Feature | Details |
Condition | Hypermetropia, farsightedness, or hyperopia |
Affects | Close objects look blurry (distance vision may also blur in higher degrees) |
Common Cause | Having an eyeball that’s relatively short from front to back (axial hypermetropia) or flatter cornea/lens (refractive hypermetropia) |
Symptoms | Blurry near vision, headaches, eye strain (asthenopia), difficulty reading/fatigue during reading, double vision or squinting when reading |
Diagnosis | A comprehensive (but painless) eye exam. |
Treatment | Convex (plus) glasses, contact lenses, LASIK/PRK, refractive lens exchange |
Corrective Lens | Convex (Plus/Positive) Lens |
What is Hypermetropia?
Hypermetropia is a common vision condition in which distant objects are clear, but close objects look blurry.
Hypermetropia is also known as:
- Farsightedness
- Hyperopia
It is a refractive error which occurs when light entering the eye focuses behind the retina instead of directly on it. The retina is the layer inside your eye that detects light and converts the entering light into signals your brain can use. Retina is critical for your vision.
Hypermetropia meaning: A condition where your eye is unable to properly focus on nearby objects because the inadequate focusing power of the eyes.
How Does Hypermetropia Develop?
It develops because the image forms behind the retina, making nearby things blurry.
Normally:
- Light enters through the cornea.
- The lens bends the light.
- The light focuses perfectly on the retina.
In hypermetropia:
- The eyeball is shorter than normal or
- The cornea is flatter than usual.
Hypermetropia Diagram
Here is the simple representation:
Normal Eye Diagram
Light Rays
\ | /
\ | /
\ | /
[Cornea]
|
[Lens]
|
Retina (Image forms here)
Hypermetropia Diagram
Light Rays
\ | /
\ | /
\ | /
[Cornea]
|
[Lens]
|
Retina
|
(Image forms behind retina)
What Are the Causes of Hyperopia?
The most common causes of farsightedness include are:
Short Eyeball
Due to this, the light focuses behind the retina.
Flat Cornea
This causes the insufficient bending of the light entering.
Abnormal Eye lens
This reduces the focusing ability.
Genetics
Researchers believe hyperopia has a genetic component, meaning the genes you inherit from your biological parents can impact whether you have hyperopia.
Certain Genetic Disorders
Some individuals experience a high degree of hyperopia as part of a genetic disorder, such as achromatopsia, Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome.
How to Check if You Have Hypermetropia?
Only your doctor can confirm if you have farsightedness through a comprehensive dilated eye examination. People with this refractive error often visit eye care professionals with complaints of visual discomfort or blurred vision.
If you experience the following symptoms, timely contact your eye doctor:
Common Symptoms of Farsightedness Include:
- Blurry vision, especially when looking at things that are close to the face.
- Blurred vision while reading
- Trouble focusing on nearby objects
- Frequent headaches
- Eye strain
- Burning or aching eyes
- Squinting during reading
- Fatigue after computer work
- Double vision while reading (in severe cases)
Children may also:
- Rub their eyes frequently
- Say no to reading
- Lose interest in close-up activities
How is Hypermetropia Corrected?
To correct hyperopia, your provider may recommend lenses in eyeglasses, contact lenses, surgery (for example, LASIK eye surgery helps people with lower degrees of hyperopia)
The goal of treating farsightedness is to help focus light on the retina via the available options.
1. Eyeglasses
The lenses in eyeglasses provide a simple and safe way to correct hyperopia. They work by changing the way light focuses on your retina.
Doctors prescribe convex (plus) lenses that help focus light correctly.
Hypermetropia lens: Convex Lens
Benefits are:
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Safe for all ages
2. Contact Lenses
Contact lenses work similarly to eyeglasses. They work by correcting the way light bends when it enters your eye.
Benefits are:
- Wider field of vision
- Better appearance
- Suitable for active lifestyles
Note: Proper hygiene is important to prevent infections.
3. LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK eye surgery helps individuals with lower degrees of hyperopia. It uses a laser to reshape your cornea.
Suitable for:
- Adults with stable vision
- Mild to moderate hypermetropia
Benefits are:
- Quick recovery
- Reduced dependence on glasses
4. Refractive Lens Exchange
For people with high hypermetropia or older adults, eye doctors may recommend replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
IOLs are clear, artificial lenses that replace your eye’s natural ones.
FAQ's
What is the difference between myopia and hypermetropia?
What is the difference between myopia, hypermetropia and presbyopia?
Is hypermetropia permanent?
Conclusion
There is no proven way to avoid hyperopia.
But you can adopt the following lifestyle to keep your eyes healthy:
- Eat a nutritious diet rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and lutein
- Get regular eye exams
- Wear sunglasses, even on cloudy days
- Follow 20-20-20 rule to rest your eyes regularly
- Manage conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
Consult an eye specialist if you notice:
- Constant blurry near vision
- Frequent headaches while reading
- Eye strain
- Trouble using digital screens
- Double vision
- Sudden vision change
Seek medical care immediately if you experience:
- Sudden vision loss
- Flashes of light
- Curtain-like shadow over your vision
Early diagnosis can help ensure appropriate treatment (convex lenses, contact lenses, LASIK, and refractive lens surgery) and prevent severe complications.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational use only. For accurate information about hypermetropia (farsightedness), consult your eye doctor only.
