Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a relatively common vision problem in which close objects appear blurry, even as distant objects remain clear.
Causes and Risk Factors of Farsightedness
How Is Farsightedness Diagnosed?
- Every two to four years between ages 40 and 54
- Every one to three years between ages 55 and 64
- Every one to two years starting at age 65
Prognosis of Farsightedness
Treatment and Medication Options for Farsightedness
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) An ophthalmologist (eye doctor) cuts a round, hinged flap in your cornea. Then, using an excimer laser (which, unlike other lasers, produces no heat), the doctor removes layers from the center of your cornea to change its shape and improve your vision.
LASEK (Laser-Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy) The doctor works only on the cornea's thin outer layer (epithelium). After creating a flap, the doctor uses an excimer laser to reshape the outer layer of the cornea.
Following this procedure, your doctor may insert a temporary contact lens to protect your eye for a few days.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) The doctor removes the entire epithelium and, using a laser, changes the shape of the cornea. The doctor doesn't replace the epithelium, which grows back on its own and conforms to the reshaped cornea.
- Under- or overcorrection of your original vision problem
- New vision problems, such as halos or other effects around bright lights
- Dry eye
- Infection
- Corneal scarring
- Vision loss (in rare cases)
Medication Options
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
Prevention of Farsightedness
Research and Statistics: Who Has Farsightedness?
Related Conditions of Farsightedness
Resources We Love
Favorite Orgs for Essential Hyperopia (Farsightedness) Info
National Eye Institute
The NEI gives readers detailed background information on hyperopia, from risk factors and prevention to details about eye development that results in the condition. The site also presents current research around eye health, including its own National Institutes of Health–funded studies and clinical trials.
Mayo Clinic
A nonprofit with a broad reach into clinical practice, education, and research, the Mayo Clinic provides an extensive, patient-friendly background about hyperopia on its website. Treatments are presented clearly and are regularly updated, so readers will find actionable information. In addition, those who have upcoming ophthalmologist visits will find advice on how to prepare and what questions to ask the doctor.
American Optometric Association (AOA)
The AOA represents upward of 44,000 doctors of optometry in the United States and is an authority on eye care and optometry. The website covers the essentials of hyperopia, such as diagnosis and various treatments, while also presenting research and helpful articles.
Additional reporting by Sarah Amandalore.
Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking
- Farsightedness: Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic. June 16, 2020.
- Farsightedness. U.S. National Library of Medicine. September 1, 2018.
- Farsightedness (Hyperopia). National Eye Institute. September 8, 2020.
- Farsightedness: Diagnosis and Treatment. Mayo Clinic. June 16, 2020.
- Farsightedness: Hyperopia Diagnosis. American Academy of Ophthalmology. March 10, 2014.
- American Academy of Ophthalmology Provides Information to the Public on Online Vision Testing for Corrective Eyeglass Prescriptions. American Academy of Ophthalmology. September 22, 2015.
- Eye Screening for Children. American Academy of Ophthalmology. March 23, 2021.
- Farsightedness (Hyperopia). Harvard Health Publishing. June 19, 2019.
- Presbyopia. Cleveland Clinic. June 8, 2020.
- Could Eyedrops Replace Reading Glasses? American Academy of Ophthalmology. December 4, 2019.
- The Lowdown on Eye Exercises. Harvard Health Publishing. May 6, 2020.
- Eye Health Statistics. American Academy of Ophthalmology. 2015.
- Farsightedness (Hyperopia) Data and Statistics. National Eye Institute. July 17, 2019.
- Kulp MT, Ciner E, Maguire M, et al. Attention and Visual Motor Integration in Young Children with Uncorrected Hyperopia. Optometry and Vision Science. October 2017.