Farsightedness (Hyperopia)

What Is Farsightedness?

Farsightedness (hyperopia) is a vision problem that makes it hard to see nearby objects clearly.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Farsightedness?

Kids with farsightedness may have:

• blurred vision
• eyestrain
• headaches
• tiredness

Some kids also may:

• squint
• rub their eyes a lot
• show a lack of interest in reading

What Causes Farsightedness?

Farsightedness happens when light that enters the eyes doesn’t bend as it should. Instead of focusing directly on the retina, the light focuses behind the retina.

Farsightedness can run in families.

How Is Farsightedness Diagnosed?

An eye doctor can tell you if your child is farsighted. They will do a routine exam that usually includes:

• asking about symptoms
• taking a family medical history
• examining the eyes
• doing vision tests

How Is Farsightedness Treated?

Many kids are farsighted. Some amount of farsightedness can be normal depending on a child’s age. Often, the condition gets better on its own as kids get older. If it doesn’t, the eye doctor will prescribe glasses or contact lenses.

How Can Parents Help?

To help take care of your child’s eyes:

• Get eyeglasses (or contact lenses if recommended). Let your child help choose the frames. Plastic frames and polycarbonate lenses are best for young kids.
  
• Help with contact lenses. If your child is old enough and the eye doctor thinks contacts are a good choice, help your child follow all instructions on wearing and cleaning them.
• Go to follow-up visits with the eye doctor.
• Call the doctor if your child has new symptoms, such as eye pain, headaches, crossed eyes, or changes in vision.