What is hyperopia?

The outer layer of your eye, the cornea, and the lens work to focus images directly on the surface of the retina, lining the back of the eye, providing crystal-clear vision. If this light is not focused correctly, objects in close proximity will appear blurry.

There are 3 reasons why this might happen:

1. The eyeball is shorter than normal, meaning the retina, now closer to the pupil, allows light rays to travel past the retina.

2. The cornea is flat, and not correctly curved, so the light is not directed onto the retina at the back of your eye.

3. The lens inside the eye isn't able to focus properly.

Hyperopia has the opposite effect of another refractive error, myopia (short-sightedness or nearsightedness), which results in distant objects appearing blurred. Astigmatism, a condition where your cornea is irregularly shaped or curved, can also be present alongside hyperopia, causing your vision to be blurred at any distance.

Hyperopia is normally genetic and can affect people of all ages, including babies and children. Usually, in younger cases, hyperopia should correct itself, as the eyeball will lengthen over time. Although, a lazy eye (amblyopia) or a squint can develop if not treated, and the weaker eye may not see as well as the other eye down the line.

Hyperopia can affect people in various ways, depending on the extent of the vision problem, but the most common signs of being farsighted include:

• Blurred vision of objects nearby

• Eye strain or tired dry eyes after activities like writing, reading or working on the computer

• Headaches

• Needing to squint to see close-up objects properly

Children with myopia might not have noticeable symptoms, which is why regular eye tests are so important. It's recommended that you visit an optometrist or eye doctor at least every 2 years for a thorough eye examination to keep track of your prescription and to detect any underlying health issues, eye diseases like glaucoma, and vision problems. If hyperopia is detected early, you've got the best possible chance of treating this eye problem and managing the symptoms.

The corrective method of contact lenses comes with plenty of perks, but alternative treatments can include eyeglasses. Ideal for mild conditions, you can simply wear them when you're reading or doing computer work. More severe cases of refraction can be treated with the permanent solution of refractive surgery or laser eye surgery. Although, these costly refractive surgeries, known as PRK or LASIK and involve changing the shape of your cornea, aren't suitable for young children or teenagers. Another option, which doesn't involve surgery is orthokeratology, where you'll need to wear hard gas permeable contact lenses at night, which will reshape the cornea over a set period of time.

Despite there being no prevention of hyperopia, research has found that it's possible to slow the progression by protecting your eye and vision health. Wearing sunglasses and contact lenses with UV protection along with protective eyewear is essential, as is maintaining a healthy diet and not smoking. Using the right corrective lenses allows you to better your vision and having your eyes regularly checked is also key. Plus, writing and reading with good lighting, and taking breaks from screens to reduce digital eye strain will make a difference.

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• What is Myopia?