From the Guidelines
Hyperopia is a common optical aberration in which distant light rays converge incompletely before striking the retina, resulting in a blurred image of near objects. This condition is characterized by the inability of the eye to focus light rays on the retina, typically due to a short eyeball or insufficient corneal curvature 1. The effects of hyperopia can be significant, leading to blurry vision, eye strain, headaches, and burning eyes, particularly after reading or doing detailed work. Children with hyperopia may naturally compensate through accommodation, but this becomes more difficult with age.
Key Characteristics of Hyperopia
- Distant objects appear clearer than near objects
- Light entering the eye focuses behind the retina instead of directly on it
- Typically caused by a short eyeball or insufficient corneal curvature
- Can lead to blurry vision, eye strain, headaches, and burning eyes
Treatment and Management
Treatment options for hyperopia include:
- Corrective eyeglasses
- Contact lenses
- Refractive surgery like LASIK The prescription for hyperopia is indicated with a plus sign (e.g., +2.00 diopters) 1. Regular eye examinations are crucial for proper diagnosis and correction, as untreated hyperopia can lead to complications like crossed eyes in children or contribute to eye strain and reduced quality of life. According to the refractive errors preferred practice pattern, low to moderate refractive errors are defined as spherical equivalents of less than 6.00 diopters of myopia, less than 3.00 D of hyperopia, and less than 3.00 D of regular astigmatism 1.
From the Research
Definition of Hyperopia
- Hyperopia, also known as hypermetropia, long-sightedness, or far-sightedness, is a condition where the unaccommodating eye brings parallel light to a focus behind the retina instead of on it 2
Correction Methods
- Hyperopia can be corrected with both non-surgical and surgical methods, including photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) 2
Treatment Outcomes
- There is uncertainty as to whether hyperopic-PRK or hyperopic-LASIK is the better method, with non-randomised trials suggesting they are of comparable efficacy 2
- LASIK can achieve excellent uncorrected distance vision in more than 90% of appropriately selected patients, but may have complications such as postoperative dry eye and new visual disturbances 3