Hyperopia (farsightedness) is a common vision problem, affecting about one-fourth of the population. People with hyperopia can see distant objects well, but have difficulty focusing on objects that are up close.

What Causes Farsightedness?

The eyeball of a farsighted person is shorter than normal. This causes light rays entering the eye to focus behind the retina, rather than directly on it.

Many children are born farsighted, and some of them outgrow it as the eyeball lengthens with normal growth.

Hyperopia Symptoms and Signs

Farsighted people sometimes have headaches or eye strain and may squint or feel fatigued when performing work at close range. If you get these symptoms while wearing your eyeglasses or contact lenses, you may need an eye exam and a new prescription.

Treatment Options

Farsightedness can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses to change the way light rays bend into the eyes. You may need to wear your glasses or contacts all the time or only when reading, working on a computer or doing other close-up work.

Refractive surgery is a great option for correcting hyperopia. Surgery may reduce or eliminate your need to wear glasses or contact lenses. People who are farsighted may correct their hyperopia more permanently with eye surgeries such as:

• LASIK, laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is the most widely performed laser vision correction surgery. With LASIK, your surgeon cuts a flap to reach the inner part of your cornea then uses a laser to remove a small amount of tissue from the cornea to give it a different shape and correct the focusing error.
• CK, conductive keratoplasty, is a refractive surgery designed to treat hyperopia. With CK, a probe with a very fine needle tip is touched directly to the cornea. Radio waves are transmitted through the probe, applying heat to the area that needs adjustment. The treatment is precisely calibrated to achieve a new shape for the cornea resulting in improved vision.

Dr. LaGreca is experienced in treating hyperopia in Billings. Talk to us today about your options for correcting farsightedness, so you can make the choice that is best for you and your lifestyle. Contact The Eye Clinic Surgicenter at 406-252-6608 or theeyeclinicsurgicenter.com to schedule your appointment or for more information.