What is farsightedness?

• Farsightedness, or hyperopia, is difficulty seeing clearly up close, while still being able to see things clearly at a distance. Near objects appear blurry and out of focus. You may have trouble reading books, looking at your phone, or sewing. However, you are still able to clearly focus on objects far away
• Hyperopia is caused by a natural change in the shape of your eye that makes the eyeball short rather than round. This change in curvature causes light rays that enter the eye to focus behind the retina, rather than directly on it.

 

How can farsightedness be corrected?

• Eyeglasses and contact lenses can help correct hyperopia by bending the light into the correct position on the retina before it enters your eye
• Several types of surgery, such as LASIK and HDSA, can also correct hyperopia by bending the incoming light; Unlike glasses or contact lenses, this is done by using a precise laser to reshape the cornea to bend the light as it enters your eye

 

How can you reduce eye strain at home?

• Wear your eyeglasses or contact lenses as prescribed
• Provide yourself with good light for reading; a soft background light with a direct light on your book, phone, crossword, &c. works well
• Take frequent breaks when reading, watching TV, or working on a computer; blink often and close your eyes to rest when they feel tired
• Avoid glare on television and computer screens; place your electronics where lights do not reflect on the screen
• Wear sunglasses to block out harmful sunlight; buy sunglasses that block ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B (UVA and UVB) rays
• You may choose large-print books or adjust the font size on your computer for easier reading

 

When should you call for help?

• Sudden decrease in vision
• Problems wearing contact lenses
• If you see flashes of light or new floaters, or if you see a “curtain” over your vision
• If you need help adjusting to reduced vision
• If you do not see as well as you think you should wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses