Farsightedness is a refractive error in which the eye cannot focus properly on near or far images, nor on distance images. It occurs when the axis of the eye is smaller than normal and light rays focus behind the retina, not on it. To correct this refractive deficiency, the eye’s internal muscles (accom accommodative muscles) are forced to work constantly, which can lead to eyestrain and blurred vision. Correction of farsightedness is achieved with the use of glasses with “plus” lenses or contact lenses, which help to focus light rays correctly on the retina. Farsightedness is classified according to its severity: low (up to +3 diopters), medium (up to +6 diopters) and high (over +6 diopters). In childhood and young adulthood, people with mild farsightedness may not notice the condition due to the eye’s high accommodation capacity. However, towards the age of 40 and with the onset of presbyopia, the ability to compensate for farsightedness decreases. Thus, affected individuals may begin to experience eye fatigue, difficulty reading and prolonged computer work, requiring glasses for near vision earlier than others (up to age 40). Another aspect of farsightedness is its link to the smaller than normal size of the eyeball, which can increase the risk of increased intraocular pressure and the development of glaucoma in later life. As the lens ages and cataracts develop, it becomes denser and increases in volume, which can cause myopia, compensating for hyperopia. Although patients may perceive this as a temporary improvement in vision, it is a warning signal to the ophthalmologist, indicating the need for lens replacement. Replacing the natural lens with an artificial one not only corrects refractive errors, including astigmatism, but also reduces the risk of increased intraocular pressure, helping to maintain long-term eye health.
What Hyperopia Is, How It Occurs and Effective Solutions for Correction
