Long-sightedness

Long-sightedness

Long-sightedness, also known as hyperopia, denotes a refractive error where the eye improperly focuses light rays.

In hyperopia, light rays are directed beyond the retina, potentially due to an overly short eyeball, insufficiently curved cornea, or inadequately thick lens. Consequently, nearby objects may appear blurry or fuzzy, while distant objects remain clear since they necessitate less focusing power, aligning properly with the retina.

As individuals age, their lenses undergo natural changes, losing flexibility and elasticity. This diminishes accommodation power, leading to near objects' light rays failing to focus on the retina.

Age-related hyperopia is medically termed presbyopia. Unlike a disease, presbyopia reflects anticipated age-related ocular alterations, affecting nearly everyone irrespective of existing glasses or contact lens usage.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of hyperopia include:

• Blurry or fuzzy near objects with clear distant vision
• Headaches
• Eye fatigue

Presbyopia sufferers may experience double vision, and nearsighted individuals might need to remove their glasses for reading. Brighter lighting may be necessary for reading tasks.

In children, hyperopia symptoms may manifest as a squint, wherein one eye deviates inwardly more than the other. Untreated squints in infants or young children could lead to permanent vision issues like amblyopia (lazy eye). It's crucial to consult a GP promptly if a squint is suspected in your child.

Causes

A family history of hyperopia increases one's likelihood of developing it.

Ageing is a primary cause, known as presbyopia, with lens changes typically commencing around age 40 and completing by age 60. Individuals with professions involving close-up work may experience premature presbyopia.

Diagnosis

If distant objects are clearer than nearby ones, seeking an optometrist's evaluation is recommended. Optometrists are qualified professionals specializing in eye examination, vision testing, and dispensing glasses and contact lenses.

Regular eye exams are essential, not only for vision correction but also for detecting underlying health conditions like diabetes or hypertension. The College of Optometrists advises biennial eye exams, though frequency may vary based on individual needs.

Treatment

Glasses and Contact Lenses

Hyperopia can often be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, typically employing convex lenses to refocus light onto the retina, restoring normal vision.

Optometrists will discuss available options with patients. Glasses are usually favored for children and may be preferable for older individuals over contact lenses.

Contact lens wearers should adhere strictly to their practitioner's advice to minimize infection risks.

For presbyopia, bifocal or progressive lenses may be prescribed for existing glasses wearers, while bifocal contact lenses or reading glasses may complement contact lens usage. Regular optometric check-ups every two years ensure prescription accuracy.

Surgery

Laser Refractive Surgery

Laser procedures can reshape the cornea to correct hyperopia, ensuring light rays are accurately focused on the retina. Typically performed under local anesthesia, these surgeries include PRK, LASEK, and LASIK. However, laser surgery isn't suitable for presbyopia correction.

Lens Replacement Surgery

Presbyopic Lens Exchange (PRELEX) involves replacing the eye's lens with an artificial one to treat presbyopia. This outpatient procedure under local anesthesia replaces the lens, alleviating presbyopia symptoms.

Scleral Expansion Surgery

While previously used, scleral expansion surgery for presbyopia treatment is now discouraged due to its ineffectiveness and associated risks. This procedure involved incisions and band insertions to stretch the focusing portion of the eye.