A Closer Look at Farsightedness

Hyperopia, more popularly referred to as farsightedness, is a refractive error often detected during a person’s younger years. It causes difficulties when looking at an object up-close. Today Dr. Joel H. McGahen, OD, your trusted optometrist, talks about this condition in detail.

Cause

You may become farsighted when the distance between the front and back parts of your eyes is too short, displacing the light rays that enter your eyes. Instead of focusing directly on your retina, they fall behind it, compromising the light-bending cycle in your eyes. This refractive error often runs in the family, which means having relatives who are farsighted may increase your risk of being as well.

Common Signs and Symptoms

As its name suggests, farsighted individuals struggle when it comes to viewing things up-close. You may have a hard time reading books, sewing and doing other close work. That said, you have no problems when it comes to seeing distant objects or performing far-range tasks. Having any of these symptoms is a sign to visit your eye doctor as soon as possible.

Our Suggested Management

We may perform a comprehensive eye exam to confirm if you have hyperopia. This may include measuring your visual acuity to establish how sharp your eyes currently are. We may also have you undergo refraction and retinoscopy tests to determine the most accurate lens power that could improve your vision.

We may prescribe corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses once the test results show you’re farsighted. We have a wide selection of frames and lenses you can choose from. Rest assured we’ll help you find a pair that fits you perfectly and best addresses your eye care needs.

Call us today at (717) 609-4443 or complete our form to schedule an appointment and learn more about hyperopia. We serve Chambersburg and nearby PA areas.