If you can see objects at a distance clearly but have trouble focusing well on objects close up, you may have long-sight (also known as hypermetropia, hyperopia, and far-sight).
Hypermetropia causes the eyes to exert extra effort to see close up. After viewing nearby objects for an extended period, you may experience blurred vision, headaches and eyestrain. Children who are farsighted may find reading difficult and can develop a convergent squint(go cross-eyed) or a lazy eye (amblyopia).
Hypermetropia most commonly occurs because the eyeball is too short; that is, shorter from front to back than is normal. In some cases, the cornea having too little curvature may cause hypermetropia.
Convex lenses are prescribed to bend light rays more sharply and bring them to focus on the retina.
Many people have a degree of farsightedness, yet it is only a problem if it significantly affects our ability to see well or causes headaches or eyestrain.
Exactly why eyeball shape varies is not known, but the tendency for hypermetropia is inherited. Other factors may be involved too, but to a lesser degree than heredity.
Hypermetropia is seldom diagnosed in school eye-screening tests, which typically test only the ability to see objects at a distance. A comprehensive eye health examination that checks both near and far vision is necessary to diagnose farsightedness.
Convex lenses, eyeglasses or contact lenses are usually prescribed. They bend light more sharply and bring them to focus on the retina. If you do not have other vision problems such as astigmatism, you may only need glasses for reading or other tasks done at a close range.
To determine the best avenue of treatment, your optometrist may ask a number of questions about your lifestyle, occupation, daily activities and general health status. For instance, you may be asked whether you frequently need near vision.
A comprehensive eye examination at the recommended intervals will ensure that minor changes in vision are diagnosed and treated so that your vision will remain as clear and comfortable as possible.
