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Farsightedness occurs when a person can see objects more clearly in the distance than they can up close, or near to them. More than 14 million adults in the US are farsighted. At the Kraff Eye Institute, we offer expert treatment for farsightedness in Chicago, IL, ensuring quality care and improved vision without the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
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Farsightedness is also known as hyperopia, hyperopic vision, or hypermetropia. Hyperopia is a type of refractive error that's caused by a cornea that isn't curved enough, or too flat, or by an eyeball that's too short. These two problems prevent light from directly focusing on the retina, resulting in a blurred image. In individuals with hyperopia, vision is better when viewing objects in the distance versus those that are near, hence the term farsightedness. Blurry vision may interfere with the ability to read, use the computer, or thread a needle, for example. This is more of a problem in severe farsightedness versus mild farsightedness.
Age-related changes in the lens of the eye can mimic hyperopia but the two conditions aren't related to one another. Individuals with a family history of hyperopia or farsightedness may be more likely to develop the condition themselves which is much more common in individuals over the age of 40.
There are several signs and symptoms of farsightedness that are common in people who suffer from hyperopia, the effects can include:
Hyperopia or farsightedness in children often presents subtly but can significantly impact their daily activities. It's crucial to be aware of symptoms, such as recurrent headaches, eye strain, squinting, and difficulty focusing on nearby objects, including text in books or on screens. Additionally, children may show a lack of interest in activities that require close focus, like reading or drawing. If your child suffers from any of these symptoms, make sure to seek guidance from an eye specialist. The doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis and provide guidance for treatment options.
In some scenarios, younger people may be able to compensate for hyperopia by using their accommodative (eye-focusing) system, especially with mild farsightedness. When the accommodative system is stimulated, the crystalline lens inside the eye becomes more rounded, increasing its power. This helps to focus light rays where they should be on the retina. Although accommodation helps with image clarity, it can become fatiguing over the course of a day. In fact, younger individuals may complain of eye fatigue more than blurry vision. With age, the ability to accommodate diminishes, and the blurred vision in hyperopia may become more prevalent.
At Kraff Eye Institute, we offer a range of effective options to treat farsightedness, tailored to each patient's unique needs and lifestyle.
LASIK eye surgery is an outpatient surgical procedure. LASIK refractive surgery is a 2-step process in which the patient experiences little to no discomfort. The first step uses a laser to create a thin flap on the surface of the cornea. Once created, the flap is then lifted and a separate laser is used to reshape the surface of the cornea. This results in light falling appropriately on the retina at the back of the eye, creating a clear visual image. Then, the flap is realigned back over the surface of the cornea. These steps are repeated for the second eye. LASIK surgery is one option for laser eye surgery for farsightedness.
PRK is also an excellent option for farsightedness correction. PRK hyperopia surgery is a procedure in which the epithelium, or front surface of the cornea, is gently brushed off to expose the underlying corneal tissue. The same laser used to shape the cornea during the LASIK procedure is used to shape the cornea during the PRK refractive surgery. Once completed, a soft bandage contact lens is placed on the eye that'll stay in place for several days, while the epithelium regrows on the cornea.
Refractive Lens Exchange, or RLE, is a type of laser surgery that involves removing the eye's natural lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens implant, or IOL. In this more invasive surgical procedure, farsightedness is corrected with a lens that's placed inside the eye, rather than shaping the surface of the eye. RLE may correct farsightedness and nearsightedness at the same time. It's often performed in individuals over 40.
Eyeglasses are a simple yet effective treatment for hyperopia. They can correct farsightedness by adjusting the way light enters the eyes.
They offer:
Contact lenses serve as an alternative for those who prefer not to wear glasses.
Corrective lenses provide:
If you're ready to treat your farsightedness and be less reliant on contacts or glasses, schedule your no-cost consultation with Dr.Colman Kraff today!
Farsightedness can affect people of all ages, but certain factors increase the risk of developing the condition. Individuals with a family history of farsightedness are more likely to be at risk. Additionally, age plays a role, as the lens of the eye becomes less flexible with time. People who engage in activities that involve prolonged close-up work, such as reading or computer use, may also have an increased risk of farsightedness. Regular eye exams are crucial for the early detection and management of the condition.
Farsightedness, also known as hyperopia, is a common refractive error of the eye that affects people of all ages. Refractive error is the result of an atypical shape of the cornea causing light rays not to refract (bend) properly. The cause of refractive error comes from two key measurements of the eye: the power of the cornea and the length of the eye. If the cornea isn't powerful enough and/or the eye is too short, light focuses behind the retina. Light rays should normally focus on the retina directly. When the light rays don’t focus where they should, the visual quality is poor. In individuals with hyperopia, the blur is usually more pronounced when close-up vision is needed such as viewing near targets as compared to distant objects.
Several factors contribute to the development of farsightedness, including:
Don't underestimate the genetic component of hyperopia, as this condition often runs in families. Studies show that if both parents have hyperopia, the chances for their offspring developing this condition, or other vision problems significantly increase. However, the exact interplay between different genes and environmental factors continues to be researched.
Some key genetic aspects related to hyperopia include:
It’s a good idea to see an optometrist or ophthalmologist if you have symptoms of blurred vision, eyestrain, or headaches. Your eye doctor can measure your vision by performing refraction, which involves the presentation of lenses to see which lenses improve your quality of vision.
Even if you don’t have any symptoms of vision problems or even if you're not wearing glasses or prescription lenses, it’s a good idea to have a regular eye exam. Not only will your eye doctor check for refractive errors like hyperopia, but they'll also check your general eye health.
There are various guidelines by professional organizations on how often to have an eye exam. The American Optometric Association recommendations can be seen below.
Recommendations differ by risk level.
| Age | Asymptomatic/Low Risk | At Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 18-39 | At least every 2 years | At least annually/as recommended |
| 40-64 | At least every 2 years | At least annually/as recommended |
| 65+ | Annually | At least annually/as recommended |
Adult risk factors
Recommendations by the American Optometric Association also differ by risk level for children and adolescents.
| Age | Asymptomatic/Low Risk | At Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Birth through 2 | At the age of 6-12 months | At the age of 6-12 months or as recommended |
| 3 through 5 | At least once between the ages of 3-5 | At least once between the ages of 3-5 or as recommended |
| 6 through 17 | Before first grade, then annually thereafter | Before first grade, then annually or as recommended thereafter |
Risk factors for children and adolescents
Book your free consultation for farsightedness surgery in Chicago today and experience improved vision!
312-444-1111Schedule Consultation
Testing for farsightedness typically involves a comprehensive eye exam performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. During the examination, various tests are conducted to assess your vision and determine the presence and severity of farsightedness.
Here are the common methods used to test for farsightedness:
These tests, combined with a thorough examination of your overall eye health, will enable the eye care professional to diagnose farsightedness and recommend appropriate treatment options. It's important to undergo regular eye exams to monitor your vision and detect any changes early on.
Some medical insurance may cover laser eye surgery for farsightedness. You'll need to review your individual or company policy to see if that is an option for you.
Using your HSA or FSA is a great way to use tax-free dollars to pay for refractive surgical procedures and treat farsightedness. Depending on how much you set aside, these funds may cover the entire cost of the procedure. Always check with your employer for details on how much you can save and when your savings will be available to use.
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For over 3 decades, Dr. Colman Kraff has devoted his career to providing patients with the safest and most advanced surgical options available. As a leader in the industry and a key investigator in the initial approval of PRK and LASIK, Dr. Kraff is the most skilled eye surgeon with the most experience in the entire Chicagoland area. Visit the Kraff Eye Institute to determine your options for farsightedness today!
Visit the Kraff Eye Institute today for a complimentary, no-obligation consultation to determine whether farsightedness laser eye surgery is an option for you.
312-444-1111Schedule Consultation
When it comes to treating farsightedness, did you know that most people are born farsighted? If you measure an infant or young child’s refractive error, expect to find hyperopia. Children typically outgrow their hyperopia over time. Having said that, some people will remain hyperopic, while others can outgrow their hyperopia, and then develop it again later in life. Farsightedness tends to be hereditary.
Farsightedness isn't preventable, but you can keep your eyes healthy by taking the following steps:
Untreated hyperopia is especially problematic for children. In addition to experiencing symptoms of blur, headaches, and eyestrain, children may develop:
