Hyperopia

Tired eyes and headaches when you read or do close work? It could be hyperopia.

What hyperopia is

Hyperopia (long-sightedness) is a common vision problem that makes focusing up close tiring. It happens because the eye is shorter than normal and the image tends to form behind the retina. In mild forms, especially in young people, the eye compensates on its own with constant effort: that is why people often do not realise they are long-sighted, but they feel the strain.

Main symptoms

• Less sharp or tiring near vision
• Headaches, especially after reading or computer use
• Eye strain and tension in the eyes
• Needing to squint
• Difficulty concentrating while reading

How hyperopia is assessed

During the eye test at Ottica Paoletti we assess:

1. Visual acuity at distance and near
2. Refraction, that is, the correction you need
3. Accommodation, that is, how hard the eye works to focus
4. The surface of the eye with the slit lamp

How it is corrected

• Glasses with plus (converging) lenses: including aspheric lenses, which are thinner and lighter
• Progressive lenses: for people with both hyperopia and presbyopia
• Contact lenses: a discreet solution for sport and everyday life

Practical tips

• Take regular breaks: every 20 minutes of close work, look into the distance for 20 seconds, at least 6 metres (20 feet) away
• Read in good lighting and avoid reflections on screens
• See an ophthalmologist every year
• Update your correction when your vision changes

Frequently asked questions about hyperopia

Does hyperopia get worse with age?
Over the years the eye is less and less able to compensate, so symptoms become more noticeable, especially when presbyopia sets in as well.

Can children be long-sighted?
Yes: mild hyperopia is normal in young children and usually decreases as they grow. If it is high, it must be corrected, partly to prevent amblyopia (lazy eye).

Can it be corrected permanently?
In some cases refractive surgery is an option, to be assessed with an ophthalmologist. Glasses and contact lenses remain the most common solution.