What is Hyperopia?
Commonly referred to as Hypermetropia or farsightedness allows people to see objects in the distance, but diminishes their capacity to focus on objects at a close range. The opposite to myopia, it occurs when the lens and cornea aren’t strong enough to refract light rays that enter the eye. This then causes the picture to focus at a point behind the retina rather than directly on it.
Hyperopia is a common condition that can be present from childhood. The genetic disorder may not be detected for some time as the lens is able to focus past the imperfections in the cornea as a child and into young adulthood. This ‘latent’ hyperopia can put a strain on children’s eyesight, causing tired eyes, headaches and starbusts around lights. It’s important to have an early detection screening to help reduce the long-term effects of untreated hyperopia. As people get older the effects of hyperopia become more apparent with the lens of the eye becoming increasingly inelastic, preventing people from focusing past the imperfection.
How is Hyperopia treated?
iLASIK treatment is recommended for people experiencing a high degree of hyperopia. The cornea in a hyperopic eye is usually flat. This requires surgery to make the cornea steeper, allowing light rays to focus on the retina, as opposed to behind it.
The Perfect Vision team are skilled practitioners when it comes to performing the NASA approved iLASIK surgery. Using iris recognition technology and precision lasers, this procedure performed by our surgeons can correct hyperopia for good.
This form of refractive surgery is guaranteed to provide you with the best achievable vision. Patients normally achieve normal 20/20 vision or even better once completed, correcting their farsightedness. It is also nationally recognised by the Fred Hollows Foundation as an effective eye treatment method for hyperopia.
For more information on Perfect Vision iLASIK surgery please see iLASIK.
If an individual is unable to undergo iLASIK surgery then a Refractive Lens Exchange presents itself as an alternative option. With the input of an artificial intraocular lens, the procedure can rectify hyperopia.
For more information please see Refractive Lens Exchange.
A Photorefractive Keratectomy may also be performed if someone is ineligible for iLASIK.
For more information please see Photorefractive Keratectomy
What are the symptoms of Hyperopia?
In severe cases of hyperopia a person’s ability to focus on objects that are close to them is extremely difficult. They may also get headaches or feel that their eyes are strained when performing detailed, close-range tasks. Someone with hyperopia may also squint and feel fatigued when focusing on close objects.
What causes Hyperopia?
Hyperopia is a result of light rays coming into focus behind the retina rather than on it. The condition is genetic and people are normally born with it. Although children are often able to focus past the lens imperfections at a young age, but as they get older and the elasticity of the lens weakens the symptoms of hyperopia appear.
How is Hyperopia diagnosed?
Hyperopia is diagnosed during eye examinations with an Ophthalmologist or qualified Optometrist. A full examination will assess the degree and extent of the problem. Small children, who may not be able to answer screening questions about what they can see, can still be assessed using a test called retinoscopy that involves the use of reflected light.
How do you treat hyperopia?
There are a few different treatment options for hyperopia. It’s recommended that individuals looking to fix the condition undergo iLASIK surgery. Other options include a Refractive Lens Exchange or a Photorefractive Keratectomy depending on your eligibility for iLASIK.
Here at Perfect Vision we have an immense amount of faith in our surgeons to provide excellent results. We believe that our surgeons provide treatment that lasts long-term, resulting in patients maintaining excellent eyesight for years to come. We want our patients to be as happy as possible with the results and intend to help them maintain the best possible vision for as long as possible through our commitment program.