If you’re like many Americans, you likely rely on corrective lenses to see life clearly. The increasing popularity of electronics has also increased this number, as more and more people come to rely on technology for work, school, and recreation time. One question our eye doctors field often is what the differences are between near and farsightedness and how these visual ailments develop. For years, Signature Optometry has proudly served as your trusted local optometrist in Fresno, delivering quality care to all of our patients. Our optical boutique has the equipment, experience, and training needed to provide the best results for your entire family.
Today, we’ll briefly highlight how farsighted problems develop, as well as the services that our eye doctors provide to help. If you’re on this page in need of an appointment, be sure to call us now!
What is Farsightedness?
As the name implies, farsightedness means that you are able to clearly see objects from a distance, but items in close proximity can become blurry. Also known as hyperopia, people who deal with farsightedness are often able to see clearly from a distance, yet up-close tasks such as reading and cooking can become a challenge. Those with severe problems may suffer from blurry vision at any distance. Long-term side effects of this problem can include:
- Eye strain
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Squinting
What Causes Hyperopia?
Farsightedness stems from the eye’s inability to properly process light. When your eye receives light, it undergoes refraction as the light is focused properly for the retina to receive. The retina will convert this light into data which is then sent to the brain to help complete the view of what the eye is seeing. When a refractive error occurs within the eye, hyperopia is possible.
Numerous factors can affect your eye’s ability to process light, but the shape of your cornea plays the biggest role. If there is insufficient space between the cornea and retina, refraction will become more difficult. In many cases, the images sent to the brain will focus on the light behind the retina.
Diagnosis Procedures
If you suspect that you are dealing with the complications of hyperopia, it may be time to schedule an appointment with your local eye doctor. In many cases, your optometrist will perform a full dilated eye exam to look closely at the shape and health of your lenses. By relying on magnified light, your eye doctor can inspect the eye’s ability to respond to stimuli. An additional vision test will be done to test the strength of your vision from varying distances.
How Can I Treat Hyperopia?
While farsightedness is a common ailment for many Americans, it does not mean that living with this problem is by any means convenient. Luckily, there are a wide range of treatment options available to help. If you visit our office for eye therapy in Fresno, expect to leave with one of the following possible treatments:
- Glasses – Corrective lenses are a smart and simple way to get the job done. Your chosen optical boutique will be able to find the right lenses and frames to allow you to focus on close-up tasks.
- Contact lenses – These permeable lenses may prove ideal for your hyperopia — they clear up and improve vision, refract light reaching the eyes, and provide pressure and comfort.
- Corrective lenses – Farsighted patients have found success with specialty contacts that are meant to be orthopedic in nature, gently shaping your eyes at night to help properly shape your cornea. The result in the morning is often sharper vision without the needed for glasses.
- Corrective surgery – In some cases, refractive vision is best restored through a surgery that aims to reshape the cornea for permanent improvements. In many cases, this will vastly improve your vision, but be sure to speak with your eye doctor to learn more!
If you have noticed blurred vision while reading, texting, or working on your computer, then now may be the time to seek out the help of a professional eye doctor. Signature Optometry is proud to be your local optometrist in the Fresno area, delivering quality care to all of our patients. Contact us today to learn more about our services, and be sure to schedule your first exam!