Hyperopia (Farsightedness) Treatment in Bronxville & White Plains, NY
Farsightedness, known as hyperopia, makes it difficult to see objects up close and can cause eye strain and headaches. At Bronxville Vision Care Inc, our optometrists in Bronxville and White Plains, NY diagnose hyperopia during thorough eye exams and prescribe glasses or contact lenses to help you see clearly and comfortably.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is Hyperopia?
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a common refractive error that makes it difficult to see objects up close, and in some cases at a distance too. It occurs when the eye is slightly shorter than normal or the cornea is too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it. Many children are mildly farsighted and outgrow it, while others need correction to see and learn comfortably.
Signs and Symptoms of Farsightedness
- Blurry vision when reading or doing close work
- Eye strain, aching, or burning eyes
- Headaches after reading or computer use
- Squinting to see clearly
- Children avoiding reading or having trouble concentrating in school
Because the eyes must work harder to focus, symptoms often become more noticeable with long screen sessions and computer vision syndrome.
Hyperopia vs. Presbyopia
Hyperopia and presbyopia both affect near vision, but they have different causes. Hyperopia is related to the shape of the eye and can affect people of any age, while presbyopia is an age-related stiffening of the lens that begins in the 40s. Hyperopia is also the opposite of myopia, which makes distant objects blurry, and it frequently occurs together with astigmatism.
Diagnosing Hyperopia
Hyperopia is diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. After a thorough examination, including refraction and focusing tests, we determine the prescription that is best for you. In children, we may use special drops to relax focusing muscles and get an accurate measurement, since young eyes can mask farsightedness. Significant uncorrected hyperopia is also associated with a higher risk of angle-closure glaucoma later in life, so we check your eye health carefully.
Correcting Farsightedness
Corrective lenses are the most common treatment. Glasses from our designer frames collection can be worn full time or for reading and close work. Many patients prefer contact lenses, and those with higher or combined prescriptions may benefit from our hard-to-fit contact lenses service. Adults may also ask about refractive surgery co-management. Browse our conditions page to learn about other vision problems we treat.
Hyperopia FAQs
What is hyperopia?
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a refractive error that makes close objects look blurry because light focuses behind the retina.
Is hyperopia the same as presbyopia?
No. Hyperopia is caused by the shape of the eye and can affect any age, while presbyopia is an age-related loss of near focus.
Can children be farsighted?
Yes. Many children are mildly farsighted. Higher amounts can cause eye strain and learning difficulties and may need glasses.
How is hyperopia corrected?
Hyperopia is usually corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Some adults are candidates for refractive surgery.
Can hyperopia cause headaches?
Yes. Farsighted eyes work harder to focus, which can cause eye strain and headaches, especially after reading or screen use.
Will I need glasses all the time?
It depends on your prescription. Some patients only need glasses for reading and close work, while others wear them full time.
How do I schedule a hyperopia exam?
Call our Bronxville office at (914) 337-4440 or our White Plains office at (914) 949-8900, or request an appointment online.
See Clearly Up Close Again
Schedule your eye exam with Bronxville Vision Care Inc. Call our Bronxville office at (914) 337-4440 or our White Plains office at (914) 949-8900.