Reviewed by Dr. Clement J. Cheng
Farsightedness is an eye condition also known as hyperopia. For people with farsightedness, the lens of the eye focuses images slightly behind the retina, making nearby objects blurry. In many cases, children overcome mild farsightedness through a natural process called accommodation: as the eye grows, the eye muscles contract, bringing the focal point forward onto the retina. With age, the eye's natural ability to accommodate lessens.
Symptoms of farsightedness include:
- blurred vision of close objects
- eye strain
- headache
- aching eyes
An ophthamologist diagnoses farsightedness using several tests. One test is the visual acuity test, where the patient reads letters off a chart while standing 20 feet back. Other diagnostic tests include a refraction test and a test of the eye muscle’s integrity.
Farsightedness cannot be prevented. However, children can learn to control it through accommodation, or eye adjustment. As they age, accommodation may no longer work.
If farsightedness persists into adulthood, (reading)glasses or contact lenses may be prescribed. They usually are not necessary until age 40 or older since farsightedness often corrects itself. People typically seek treatment for farsightedness when they begin to complain of eyestrain, especially at the end of the day.
Laser eye surgery has also been approved to treat farsightedness.
