Myopia, or nearsightedness, is often mentioned as a risk factor for open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of the disease. Less often discussed, but just as important, is hyperopia, or farsightedness, a risk factor for angle-closure glaucoma, the second most common type of glaucoma, and one that can result in a sudden crisis requiring emergency treatment in order to prevent blindness. Understanding hyperopia’s causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help you support healthy vision and maintain your sight.*

What Is Hyperopia?

Hyperopia is a refractive error in which objects up close appear blurred while distant objects remain clear. It occurs when the eye does not focus light correctly on the retina. This visual condition can vary in severity, affecting people differently based on their degree of hyperopia.

Degrees of hyperopia are measured in diopters (D), a unit that indicates the focusing power of your corrective lenses. For instance:

• +2.00D or less (low hyperopia)
• +2.25D to +5.00D (moderate hyperopia)
• +5.25D or more (high hyperopia)

Low hyperopia may have few if any noticeable symptoms. In severe cases, individuals may struggle to see clearly at any distance, impacting daily activities. Due to their smaller eyes, shallower anterior (front) eye chambers, and narrower drainage angles, people with hyperopia are at higher risk for developing angle-closure glaucoma, a medical emergency that can quickly cause blindness if not immediately treated.

Causes and Symptoms of Hyperopia

Hyperopia is caused by either an eye that is too short from front to back, or by irregularities in the shape of the cornea or lens. These imperfections prevent light from focusing directly on the retina, resulting in blurred vision. 

Symptoms can include:

• Headaches and eye strain
• Difficulty seeing near objects, particularly after prolonged focus
• Potential for crossed eyes (strabismus) or lazy eye (amblyopia) in severe cases

Hyperopia is often hereditary, so a family history of the condition increases the likelihood of experiencing it. Regular eye exams are needed for early detection, especially since mild cases may not exhibit noticeable symptoms.

Diagnosing and Treating Hyperopia

Eye care professionals, including ophthalmologists and optometrists, diagnose hyperopia through several key tests:

• Visual acuity test. Measures central vision clarity using an eye chart.
• Refraction test. Determines the need for corrective lenses by assessing how the eye focuses light.
• Dilated eye exam. Involves widening the pupils to examine the retina for any issues.

Treatment options include:

• Eyeglasses. Positive lens prescriptions help focus light correctly on the retina.
• Contact lenses. Correct vision while sitting directly on the eye’s surface.
• Refractive surgery. Surgical options, such as LASIK, reshape the cornea for long-term vision correction.

Regular eye exams are essential, as your prescription may change over time. Maintaining a dialogue with your eye doctor ensures that your treatment plan adapts to your evolving vision needs.

*Prevent Blindness. (n.d.) Hyperopia (Farsightedness). Retrieved from https://preventblindness.org/hyperopia-farsightedness/ 

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