Introduction
The eye is vital in processing actions happening around us. While playfully blindfolding the eyes, many would have felt that our complete body is not working. This is simply because our eyes collect the information for the whole body to function. If any infection or errors affect the eyes, the quality of life will significantly be affected. Farsightedness is one condition which affects eyes predominantly in children where the nearby objects cannot be seen clearly.
What Is Farsightedness?
Farsightedness, also called hyperopia and long-sightedness, is when nearby objects cannot be adequately seen. It is due to the corneal layer and lens of the eye as it does not bend the light correctly to be focussed on the retina from where a clear image is formed. Due to this, the image will be formed behind the retina. It can affect both children and adults.
What Are the Types of Farsightedness or Hyperopia?
It is mainly classified into three types based on the causes.
-
Simple Hyperopia - developmental variations in the eyeball cause hyperopia.
-
Pathological Hyperopia - Caused by an infection or an injury.
-
Functional Hyperopia - Dysfunction of the accommodation of the eye.
It is divided into three groups based on the severity of the condition.
-
Low - If the refractive power is less than or equal to +2 diopters (lens power is measured in diopters).
-
Moderate - If the refractive power exceeds +2 diopters and +5 diopters.
-
High - If the refractive power is greater than +5 diopters.
What Are the Symptoms of Farsightedness?
The ones affected by farsightedness will experience the following symptoms.
-
The objects placed cannot be seen.
-
Squint to see an object.
-
Have a strained eye or headache after doing tasks like reading, writing, painting, and computer work
-
Burning eye sensation and pain in and around the eyes.
What Are the Causes of Farsightedness?
-
This condition occurs when the light entering the eye is not bent enough. The cornea and the lens are the two curved layers responsible for bending the light entering the eye and focusing the light on the retina to obtain a sharp and clear image. When the cornea and the lens are not curved adequately, or the eyeball is smaller than usual, an incomplete image is formed, causing farsightedness or hyperopia. This is commonly caused by a refractive error.
-
Posterior dislocation of the lens causes hyperopia.
What Are the Risk Factors of Farsightedness?
The possible risk factors of farsightedness include,
-
Family history of hyperopia.
-
Old age.
-
Tumors around the eye.
What Are the Complications of Farsightedness?
Untreated farsightedness can result in complications like,
-
Crossed Eyes: Few children might develop crossed eyes along with farsightedness. Refractive eyeglasses usually correct it.
-
Quality of Life: If farsightedness is left untreated for a long time, then it will interfere in the daily activities of life and will not be able to perform as we wish.
-
Farsightedness can cause headaches and eye strain due to squinting and straining while seeing things close by.
-
Your safety and others' safety will be kept at stake if the eye condition is left untreated.
How to Diagnose Farsightedness?
A person should undergo eye examination regularly to eliminate the chances of acquiring complicated conditions. The routine examination varies depending on the age and medical conditions present. It is better to seek an ophthalmologist's care if any problem in the vision is noticed. The patient will be put through the following tests to diagnose farsightedness or hyperopia.
Retinoscopy:
This test is most preferred in pediatric patients. A handheld retinoscopy is used to project light into the patient's eye (dilated with eye drops) to determine the eye's refractive error.
Phoropter:
If a refractive error condition is predicted, the patient will have to undergo this test. This phoropter consists of different lenses, and the eyes of the patient are tested with each one of the lenses to determine the condition.
Dilation Test: Another standard test is the use of eye drops to dilate the pupil so that retina can be studied clearly. Other refractive errors diagnosed with these tests include nearsightedness, presbyopia, and astigmatism.
Autorefracto Keratometer: It is a computerized tool used to measure the different refractive errors of the eyes. It also aids in determining the correct lens for a particular condition.
How to Manage Hyperopia or Farsightedness?
Conservative Treatment: The most conservative method to treat hyperopia is refractive eyeglasses and contact lenses. Convex lenses are used to correct farsightedness. In addition, convex lenses are incorporated to increase the refraction.
Surgical Management: Surgical correction of farsightedness has shown better results.
The most commonly done procedures include laser in-situ keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy. Both these methods involve reshaping the corneal surface for it to function efficiently.
How Can I Prevent Farsightedness or Hyperopia?
Nutritious Diet: Including green vegetables in the diet shows promising results. In addition, omega 3 fatty acids present in the fish is an excellent source to prevent eye conditions.
Routine Eye Examination: Screening the eyes regularly as per the age and health conditions will help prevent or diagnose conditions at the earliest.
Wear Sunglasses: It is always good to wear sunglasses when heading out (even on a cloudy day) to prevent the light from affecting the eyes.
Rest the Eyes: It is suggested to take a break once in a while from straining your eyes during reading, watching television, etc.
Prognosis
Prognosis is good with surgical management. However, even with eyeglasses and contact lenses, there are high chances that the condition will worsen. Therefore, regular eye check-ups are required to check the refractive power, and if it changes, the eyeglasses or the contact lenses should also be adjusted accordingly.
Conclusion
Only with proper management can this condition be resolved. As it affects the children predominantly, this condition can be diagnosed only with regular check-ups most of the time. Having a nutritious diet, regular eye check-ups, and wearing sunglasses will prevent hyperopia to a greater extent.
