Hyperopia: understanding and correcting it
Hyperopia (farsightedness) corresponds to an eye that is "too short": the image forms behind the retina. It requires a constant visual effort and mainly affects near vision, sometimes from childhood or early adulthood.
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What is hyperopia?
In a hyperopic eye, images form behind the retina. To see clearly, the eye must make a constant accommodation effort, which can cause eye strain, headaches, and difficulty with near vision. In younger people, distance vision can remain good for a long time, but at the cost of this effort.
How is it corrected?
Mild to moderate hyperopia is corrected with laser surgery (LASIK or PRK), within the limits determined by the assessment. The laser increases the corneal power to bring the image back onto the retina.
What about high hyperopia?
For high degrees of hyperopia, or when presbyopia is added with age, lens exchange with an implant is often the most suitable solution. It corrects large refractive errors and can address presbyopia at the same time.
Hyperopia and presbyopia
People with hyperopia often notice presbyopia earlier, because their accommodation reserve is already being used. The correction strategy takes into account age and this combination.
Frequently asked questions
Is hyperopia treated with surgery the same way as myopia?
Yes, laser surgery for mild to moderate corrections. High hyperopia is better addressed with an implant or lens exchange.
Why does my near vision decline earlier?
Because the hyperopic eye is constantly compensating: its accommodation reserve is used up faster, so presbyopia often appears earlier.
What is the best technique?
It depends on the degree of hyperopia and your age. The assessment helps choose between laser surgery and lens surgery.
Before you decide
All questions →Eye strain, difficulty with near vision?
An assessment determines the best correction based on your hyperopia and your age.
Book an appointmentThis page is provided for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. The indication and technique are always individualized after a complete assessment. Prof. Eric E. Gabison — corneal and refractive surgery, Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris.