The eye condition farsightedness is more often known as hyperopia or long-sightedness. It is the consequence of a defect in the ability of the eyes to focus. When somebody is suffering from hyperopia, it means that they are unable to focus on things that are close by, causing their vision to appear blurred. However, they should not have problems focusing on objects that are in the distance.

How Your Eyesight Normally Works

We view objects when light rays enter our eyes. These rays of light pass through the cornea and the lens of our eyes, which change their direction slightly so they focus on one point in the back of our eye, the retina. These light rays then become electrical signals that are transmitted via the optic nerve to our brains.

When a person has farsightedness their vision is created normally, with light rays going though the cornea and lens of the eye, but instead of the light rays becoming focused onto the retina, they are focused outside of the eye, keeping the retina from acquiring a complete picture.

This might be caused if the shape of the eye is not long enough, from front to back, then the light rays won't be focused on the retina. Alternatively the problem may be at the front of the eyeball with the cornea or lens. If the cornea is not domed enough it won't refract the light rays to the right angle to successfully direct them at the retina, this can also take place if the lens of the eyeball is not thick enough.

What Are The Symptoms of Farsightedness?

People who suffer from farsightedness can be impacted differently, depending on the life style lead and job they do. People with hyperopia might find themselves suffering from these common symptoms:

• Sore and sensitive eyes can be a result of the constant struggle to view nearby objects and to read and write. Constantly staring, trying to get objects into focus, will stop you blinking, causing your eyes to become dried out and feeling irritable.
• Trouble with focusing when reading newspapers or books is perhaps the most commonly thought of hyperopia symptoms. If you are suffering from farsightedness you may find yourself trying to read books by holding them out at arms length. This is a subconscious reaction to your inability to bring near items into focus.
• Eye strain and headaches are common for people with long-sightedness and can result because of the eyes being unable to focus on items nearby. Squinting is a common way of dealing with farsightedness and can lead to headaches and tiring of the eyes.

Who Is Affected By Farsightedness?

Farsightedness is often associated with the process of ageing. While this is true, the long-sightedness that occurs in middle age is named presbyopia and is a consequence of decreased flexibility of the lens. This is a natural part of the process of ageing, and is easily corrected.

Farsightedness can also affect children, and some infants are even born with it. Often the condition will get better by itself as the child's eyes develop. However it is still essential to get a child's eyes checked if they demonstrate any signs of being farsighted, as if this is left untreated in young children it can result in other issues, lazy eyes for example.