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Farsightedness (Hyperopia)

A common vision condition where distant objects are seen clearly, but close objects appear blurry.

A girl use her phone while sitting at a table.

Farsightedness (hyperopia) overview

Farsightedness, also known as hyperopia or long sightedness, is a common eye condition where you can see distant objects clearly, but objects up close appear blurry. It's the opposite of near‑sightedness (myopia). Many people have some degree of far sight, and it can affect people of all ages.

How your eyes focus light

To understand farsightedness, it helps to know how a healthy eye focuses light.

  1. 1 of 4

    Cornea

    The clear, outer layer at the front of your eye. It does most of the focusing of light as it enters the eye.

  2. 2 of 4

    Lens

    Located behind the iris, the lens fine‑tunes the focus of light onto the retina. It changes shape to help you focus on objects at different distances.

  3. 3 of 4

    Retina

    The light‑sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It converts light into electrical signals that are sent to the brain.

  4. 4 of 4

    Optic Nerve

    Transmits the electrical signals from the retina to the brain, where they are interpreted as images.

What is farsightedness?

Farsightedness (hyperopia) occurs when your eye is either too short from front to back, or the cornea or lens is not curved enough. This causes light rays to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it. As a result, your eye has to work harder to bring close objects into focus, leading to blurry vision, especially for near tasks. This is the core meaning of far sighted. It's different from presbyopia, which is age‑related focusing difficulty.

Types of farsightedness

Farsightedness can manifest in different ways, depending on its severity and whether the eye's focusing power can compensate.

Latent Hyperopia

This is when the eye's natural focusing ability (accommodation) can fully correct the farsightedness, so you might not experience any symptoms.

Manifest Hyperopia

This is when the eye cannot fully compensate, and you experience symptoms like blurry near vision. This can be further divided into:

Facultative Hyperopia

Where some of the farsightedness can be overcome by accommodation.

Absolute Hyperopia

Where no amount of accommodation can bring objects into clear focus.

Noticed a change in your eyesight?

If you have any concerns about your eye health, contact or visit your local optometrist immediately – even if you do not have an appointment.

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Symptoms of long‑sightedness

The symptoms of farsightedness (hyperopia) can vary depending on the degree of the condition and your age. Younger people with mild far sight may not experience noticeable symptoms because their eyes can often compensate. However, as the condition progresses or with age, symptoms become more apparent.

Blurry vision, especially for close objects: This is the most common symptom. Reading, using a computer, or doing close‑up work can be difficult.

Eye strain (asthenopia)

Your eyes work harder to focus, leading to a feeling of fatigue or aching.

Headaches

Often occurring after prolonged near work, due to the constant effort to focus.

Squinting

You might find yourself squinting to try and see things more clearly.

Difficulty reading small print

This is a classic sign, especially as you get older.

Tired eyes

Your eyes may feel tired or heavy, particularly at the end of the day.

Double vision

In some cases, severe eye strain can lead to double vision.

Learn more about double vision

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What causes farsightedness?

Farsightedness is primarily caused by the shape of the eye, which affects how light is focused onto the retina.

Shorter eyeball

The most common cause is an eyeball that is shorter than average from front to back. This means light focuses behind the retina.

Flat cornea

If the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) is less curved than it should be, light rays won't bend enough to focus correctly on the retina.

Abnormally shaped lens

Less commonly, the lens inside the eye may have an irregular shape, preventing proper focusing.

Age

While farsightedness can be present from birth, it can also develop or become more noticeable with age, as the eye's lens becomes less flexible. This is different from presbyopia, which is specifically age‑related loss of near focusing ability.

Learn more about presbyopia

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How is farsightedness diagnosed?

If you're experiencing symptoms of farsightedness, an optometrist can diagnose the condition through a comprehensive eye examination. They will ask about your symptoms, medical history and family eye history. The examination typically includes:

Visual acuity test

Reading letters on a chart to measure how clearly you see at various distances.

Refraction test

Using a phoropter (a device with different lenses) to determine the exact lens prescription needed to correct your vision.

Slit lamp examination

A detailed look at the front and inside of your eye to check for any other eye health issues.

Retinal examination

Examining the back of your eye, including the retina and optic nerve. These tests help the optometrist understand the degree of your far sight and rule out other conditions like astigmatism or myopia (near‑sightedness). At Specsavers, every eye exam includes Optical Coherence Tomogrpahy (OCT), it’s an advanced 3D eye health scan that helps optometrists to see what’s going on beneath the surface of your eye.

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Noticed your eyes hurting, or a change in your sight? Whether it’s something new or something that’s been bothering you for a while, we’re here to help.

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Farsighted vs near‑sighted: What's the difference?

It's common to confuse farsightedness (hyperopia) with near‑sightedness (myopia). The key difference lies in where light focuses in relation to the retina and which distances are affected.

Far‑sighted (Hyperopia)

Light focuses behind the retina. Distant objects are clear, but near objects are blurry. The eye is often too short or the cornea/lens is too flat. This is far and near‑ sighted in contrast.

Short‑sighted (Myopia)

Light focuses in front of the retina. Near objects are clear, but distant objects are blurry. The eye is often too long or the cornea/lens is too curved. Understanding the difference between far and near‑ sighted is crucial for correct diagnosis and treatment.

Learn more about myopia (near‑sightedness)

How is farsightedness treated?

Farsightedness can be effectively corrected with various methods, depending on the severity and individual preference. The goal of treatment is to refocus light onto the retina.

When farsightedness needs medical attention

While farsightedness is common and usually easily corrected, severe cases, especially in children, can lead to complications like a lazy eye (amblyopia) or eye turn (strabismus) if left untreated. If you notice a significant change in vision, persistent headaches, or signs of a squint, seek professional advice promptly.

Prescription glasses

The most common and straightforward treatment. Convex lenses are used to bend light rays inward, moving the focal point forward onto the retina. This corrects the blurry near vision.

Contact lenses

An alternative to glasses, contact lenses sit directly on the eye and provide the same corrective power. They are available in various types, including daily disposables, two‑weekly and monthly lenses.

Refractive surgery (e.g. LASIK)

For some adults, surgical procedures can permanently change the shape of the cornea to correct farsightedness. This is an option for those who prefer not to wear glasses or contact lenses.

Ortho‑K (Orthokeratology)

A non‑surgical option where specially designed rigid contact lenses are worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day without glasses or contact lenses.

How is farsightedness prevented?

While farsightedness is often genetic and cannot be entirely prevented, maintaining good eye health can help manage its progression and reduce associated symptoms.

Regular eye exams

Crucial for early detection and management, especially for children, to prevent conditions like lazy eye.

Proper lighting

Ensure good lighting when reading or doing close‑up work to reduce eye strain.

Take breaks from screens

Follow the 20‑20‑20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) to reduce digital eye strain.

Healthy diet

A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially those beneficial for eye health (e.g. Vitamin A, C, E, Zinc, Omega‑3 fatty acids), supports overall vision.

Protect your eyes

Wear sunglasses with UV protection outdoors and safety glasses when engaging in activities that could harm your eyes.

Book an eye exam

Your farsightedness questions, answered

https://images.ctfassets.net/9iidzgmcsjdo/3KaeP96cNEi7askkNcnh5r/aee801925ec77904a539916e82fb026b/dr_richard_cowles-optometrist_partner.jpg

Reviewed by Dr. Richard Cowles

Dr. Richard Cowles is a Doctor of Optometry in Alberta, practicing at Sherwood Park Mall. He is a member of the Alberta College of Optometrists and is the current Past President of the Alberta Association of Optometrists. Dr. Cowles is passionate about helping patients to solve their visual concerns.

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