Hyperopia is a relatively common problem that causes nearby objects to appear blurry. At Fishman & Sheridan eyeCare Associates, in Leesburg, FL, and the surrounding areas, Drs. Craig Fishman and Jeffrey Sheridan can diagnose hyperopia and offer patients a range of treatment options, including eyeglasses and contact lenses. With a variety of frames and lenses to choose from, you are sure to find the right type for your style and health needs.
What is Hyperopia?
Also known as farsightedness, hyperopia is not a disease but a refractive error that results from the structure of the eye itself. Normally, your eye refracts or refocuses light so that it is targeted to the center of the retina at the back of the eye, from which point the information is routed to the brain. However, a hyperopic eye is either disproportionately short or has an insufficiently curved cornea. As a result, light is focused behind the retina and close-up objects cannot come into focus.
Some of the most common signs of farsightedness include blurred vision, squinting, headaches, and eye fatigue.
According to the National Eye Institute, about five to ten percent of all Americans are affected by hyperopia. There are numerous potential causes. In some cases, it is congenital: while many children are born with the condition and simply outgrow it, others are affected by it throughout their life. In other cases, the eye can change shape over time as a result of natural growth. Some of the most common signs of farsightedness include blurred vision, squinting, headaches, and eye fatigue.
However, hyperopia is distinct from presbyopia. While the latter condition also results in farsightedness, it is a consequence of the lens losing flexibility over time, rather than a result of eye shape.
How Do We Diagnose Hyperopia?
Because the most common vision screenings offered at schools often miss farsightedness, it is essential to schedule routine eye exams for your child. During these comprehensive optometric exams, we conduct a number of additional tests that can identify hyperopia, including a dilated eye exam. During this portion of the test, the doctor will administer eyedrops that widen the pupils enough that he can look through them to evaluate the internal structure of your eyes.
Treatment Options for Farsightedness
As with myopia, there are a number of options for correcting the effects of hyperopia. Because patients often only need to wear them when reading or looking at objects at a close distance, glasses are the most common solution. We also provide contact lenses for patients who have an active lifestyle or who simply do not prefer to wear glasses. We offer a wide range of frames and lenses and can help you select the ones that are right for you.
A less common option for treating hyperopia, refractive surgery offers a more permanent solution. During surgery, Dr. Fishman or Dr. Sheridan place an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) just behind the natural lens inside your eye. This device corrects light refraction so that the beams focus on your retina. Although a safe option, IOLs are not appropriate for all hyperopic patients.
Clear Blurred Close Vision
If you are ready to put an end to your eyestrain and enjoy sharp eyesight, contact us online today. You can also reach our Leesburg location at (352) 360-2301, our Clermont office at (352) 775-0235, or our Eustis facility at (352) 775-0528.
