If you have difficulty seeing clearly at a distance, you may be suffering from a condition called hyperopia. Also known as "far-sightedness," hyperopia is a common refractive error that affects the eye's ability to focus light properly. At Primary Eyecare & Optical of Meridian, our eye doctors can provide you with a comprehensive eye exam to determine if hyperopia is the cause of your vision problems. If so, we can prescribe the right treatment to help you see clearly again.
What is Hyperopia?
Hyperopia is a refractive error of the eye that causes distant objects to appear blurry. It occurs when the eye is too short or when the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) has too little curve. As a result, light focuses behind, rather than on, the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye). This causes distant objects to appear blurred. Hyperopia is usually present at birth but may not be noticeable until later in childhood when a child's eye grows and changes shape. In some cases, hyperopia can develop in adulthood.
Types of Hyperopia
There are three types of hyperopia:
Low Hyperopia
If you have mild hyperopia, distant objects may appear slightly blurred. You may only notice this if you are trying to focus on a very small object. The blurriness is usually not severe enough to affect your everyday activities.
Moderate Hyperopia
If you have moderate hyperopia, distant objects will appear more blurred. This can make it difficult to read street signs and other small prints. You may also have trouble seeing objects that are close up, such as when reading a book or working at a computer.
High Hyperopia
If you have high hyperopia, distant objects will appear very blurry. You may also have difficulty seeing objects that are close up. This can make everyday activities, such as reading and driving, very difficult.
Treatments for Hyperopia
If you have mild hyperopia, you may not need treatment. You may be able to see well enough for everyday activities without corrective lenses. If you have moderate or severe hyperopia, your optometrist will probably recommend wearing glasses or contact lenses. In some cases, surgery may be an option.
Contact Us to Schedule an Appointment with Our Optometrists
Our eye doctors at Primary Eyecare & Optical of Meridian can provide you with a comprehensive eye exam to determine if hyperopia is the cause of your vision problems. If so, we will prescribe the right treatment to help you see clearly again. Call our team today at (601) 485-2020 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.