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Close up of a woman’s eye wearing a contact lens
Close up of a woman’s eye wearing a contact lens

Farsightedness (Hyperopia)

Farsightedness, or hyperopia, is a condition that occurs when the eye cannot focus clearly, making close-up objects look blurred.

Farsightedness happens when the shape of the eye is too short or when the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, is too flat. This causes light rays entering the eye to focus behind the retina, a layer of tissue in the back of the eye, instead of on it. This incorrectly focused light causes blurry vision.

Farsightedness is often inherited. Most people who have farsightedness are born with it, but symptoms may not appear until later in life.

Diagram of a farsighted eye with labels
Diagram of a farsighted eye with labels
Diagram of a farsighted eye with labels

Farsightedness, or hyperopia, is a condition that occurs when the eye cannot focus clearly, making close-up objects look blurred.

Farsightedness happens when the shape of the eye is too short or when the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, is too flat. This causes light rays entering the eye to focus behind the retina, a layer of tissue in the back of the eye, instead of on it. This incorrectly focused light causes blurry vision.

Farsightedness is often inherited. Most people who have farsightedness are born with it, but symptoms may not appear until later in life.

Did You Know?

Blurred vision up close due to farsightedness is different from blurred vision up close due to presbyopia, which happens naturally with age.

Man in office having difficulty reading text on his smartphone
Man in office having difficulty reading text on his smartphone
Man in office having difficulty reading text on his smartphone

Blurred vision up close due to farsightedness is different from blurred vision up close due to presbyopia, which happens naturally with age.

Symptoms of Farsightedness

Common symptoms of farsightedness include:

  • Blurred vision up close
  • Eyestrain (when eyes feel tired)
  • Aching or burning eyes
  • Headaches (especially after close-up tasks, such as reading)

People with farsightedness might have difficulty seeing:

  • Books
  • Text messages
  • Ingredient lists
  • Photos or videos on a phone

An eye doctor can check for farsightedness and discuss treatment options, including great options for teens, during a comprehensive eye exam.

See Also: What Happens During an Eye Exam?

Treatments for Farsightedness

Farsightedness is corrected by refocusing the light rays that enter the eye.

Common treatments include:

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