Farsightedness is the result of a structural defect in the eye. The hyperopic (farsighted) eye is too short, resulting in blurry distance and near vision. A person who is farsighted sees distant objects more clearly than close objects and may have trouble focusing when performing up-close tasks such as reading or sewing. These defects are often present early in life, but normal development and lengthening of the eyeball during early childhood usually corrects the condition.
Farsightedness is often noticed after age 40, when the eyes begin to lose their ability to compensate by changing the shape of the lens to focus on near objects. An age-related decline in the eyes ability to focus, called presbyopia, makes farsightedness even more apparent.
Causes of Farsightedness
Due to the short or irregular shape of the eye, light entering a hyperopic eye is focused behind the retina instead of directly on it. Farsightedness is often genetic, though in rare cases, other eye conditions such as retinopathy, eye tumors, and lens dislocation can cause the development of farsightedness.
Symptoms of Farsightedness
Symptoms of farsightedness include blurred vision, difficulty seeing objects up close, aching eyes, eyestrain, and headaches.
Children with farsightedness may have no symptoms, although a more severe case of farsightedness may cause headaches or discomfort in a child’s eyes. In children, difficulty or lack of interest in reading is a possible sign of farsightedness. Farsightedness can also increase the risk for crossed eyes.
Treatment for Farsightedness
Mild farsightedness often needs no treatment. Moderate farsightedness can usually corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. The condition may also be treated with LASIK, PRK or intraocular lens implants (IOLs).
Contact us for more information about our life-changing services. To schedule an appointment, you may call 803-256-0641.