Diseases & Conditions

Farsightedness

Farsightedness (hyperopia) is a common vision condition in which you can see objects in the distance clearly, but objects nearby may be blurry.

The degree of your farsightedness determines your focusing ability. People with severe farsightedness see clearly only objects a great distance away, while those with mild farsightedness may see clearly objects that are closer.

Farsightedness usually is present at birth and tends to run in families. A basic eye exam can confirm farsightedness. You can easily correct this condition with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Another treatment option is surgery.

If your degree of farsightedness is pronounced enough that you can't perform a task as well as you wish, or if your quality of vision detracts from your enjoyment of activities, see an eye doctor. He or she can determine the degree of your farsightedness and advise you of options to correct your vision.

Farsightedness is diagnosed by a basic eye exam. Three kinds of eye specialists, each with different training and experience, can provide routine eye care:

• Ophthalmologist. An ophthalmologist is an eye specialist with an M.D. (doctor of medicine) degree. He or she is trained to have a thorough understanding of all serious eye conditions and the treatment options available to you. Ophthalmologists perform eye surgery when it's necessary.
• Optometrist. An optometrist has an O.D. (doctor of optometry) degree. For the most part, an optometrist is limited to evaluating vision, prescribing corrective lenses and diagnosing common eye disorders. Complex disorders including those that require surgery are managed by ophthalmologists.
• Optician. An optician is an eye specialist who fills prescriptions for eyeglasses — assembling, fitting and selling them. Some states also allow opticians to sell and fit contact lenses.

A complete eye examination involves a series of tests. Your eye doctor may use odd-looking instruments, aim bright lights directly at your eyes and request that you look through an array of lenses. Each test allows your doctor to examine a different aspect of your vision.

According to American Academy of Ophthalmology, recommendations for regular eye exams include:

Adults
If you don't wear glasses or contacts, have no symptoms of eye trouble and are at a low risk of developing eye disease, it's recommended that you have an eye exam at the following intervals:

• At least once between ages 20 and 39
• Every two to four years between ages 40 and 64
• Every one to two years beginning at age 65

However, if you wear glasses or contacts, have your eyes checked every year. And if you notice any problems with your vision, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible, even if you've recently had an eye exam. Blurred vision, for example, may suggest you need a prescription change.

Additionally, if you're at high risk of certain eye diseases, such as glaucoma, have your eyes checked every three to five years between the ages of 20 and 29.

Children and adolescents
Children need to be screened for eye disease and have their vision tested by a pediatrician, an ophthalmologist or another trained screener at the following ages and intervals:

• Between birth and 3 months
• Between 6 months and 1 year
• Around 3 years
• Around 5 years

Your child or adolescent may need more frequent visits if he or she experiences any problems with vision or has symptoms of eye trouble. In addition, children and adolescents who have a disease that puts their eyes at risk, such as diabetes, may need more frequent eye exams.