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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. You may be wondering, can I have surgery to fix farsightedness? Let's look at exactly what causes farsightedness, and answer that question!
Farsightedness is also known as Hyperopia or Hyperopic Vision. You might be asking yourself, how does my farsightedness work? Farsightedness is caused by a cornea that isn’t curved enough, or flat, or by an eyeball that is too short. These two problems prevent light from directly focusing on the retina, resulting in a blurred image.
Age-related changes in the lens of the eye can mimic hyperopia but the two conditions are not related to one another. Individuals with a family history of Hyperopia or farsightedness, may be more likely to develop the condition themselves, and is much more common in individuals over the age of 40.
There are several signs and symptoms that are common in people who suffer from hyperopia, the effects can include:
As you can see, the effects of farsightedness can be aggravating at best and debilitating at worst. These effects typically lead an individual to the eye doctor where a diagnosis of Hyperopia would occur. Your doctor may recommend you treat your hyperopia with glasses, contacts, laser vision correction, also known as LASIK.
Farsightedness can usually be corrected with LASIK laser eye surgery, if the patient meets specific requirements. It is best to speak to your doctor regarding your desire to treat hyperopia and see if you fall within the guidelines to undergo surgery.
LASIK eye surgery is an outpatient surgical procedure. LASIK 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 remove a microscopic amount of tissue from the cornea, resulting in light being able to appropriately focus on the retina at the back of the eye. Once completed, the flap is then realigned back over the surface of the cornea. These steps are repeated for the second eye. LASIK is definitely one option for laser eye surgery for farsightedness.
PRK is also an excellent option for farsightedness correction. PRK surgery is a surgical 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 procedure. Once completed, a soft bandage contact lens is placed on the eye that will stay in place for several days, while the epithelium regrows on the cornea.
Refractive Lens Exchange, or RLE, is a type of corrective vision 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 is placed inside the eye, rather than shaping the surface of the eye. RLE may correct farsightedness and nearsightedness at the same time. It is often performed in individuals over 40.
Glasses and contact lenses are an easy option to treat or correct farsightedness. A simple eye exam with your doctor along with a series of precise measurements, would result in a prescription for both contacts or glasses.
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!
To schedule a complimentary LASIK consultation, please click Schedule LASIK Consultation or call (312) 444-1111. To inquire about other services, please fill out our Vision Correction Consultation form.
What exactly causes hyperopia to occur is unknown. Many people believe the condition to be genetic or hereditary. For some diagnosed with hyperopia as a child, treatment can result in the condition lessening as they age. For others, their dependency on glasses or contacts worsens as they age. In rare cases, medical conditions such as diabetes, can cause individuals to develop farsightedness later on in life.
The diagnosis of farsightedness is as simple as scheduling a comprehensive eye exam with your eye doctor. Your doctor will listen to your symptoms, take a detailed medical history, and perform a thorough exam of the front and back parts of your eyes. Once determined that hyperopia is your diagnosis, your doctor will discuss your options to get rid of farsightedness, which will include eye surgery options.
Some medical insurance may cover laser eye surgery for farsightedness, you will need to review your individual or company policy to see if that is an option for you.
Using your HSA or FSA are a great way to use tax-free dollars to pay for refractive surgery and cure your 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 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 laser eye surgery is an option for you.
You can simply CALL US or make an appointment using the online forms at the links below
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