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Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Symptoms & Signs

  • Medical Author:
    Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

    Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

Medically Reviewed on 3/15/2019

Farsightedness is a common vision problem characterized by an individual having normal vision for distant objects but having difficulty focusing on nearby objects. Farsightedness is medically known as hyperopia.

Signs and symptoms associated with farsightedness include blurred vision when attempting to focus on near objects, eye strain, squinting, headache, and distorted vision. A farsighted individual typically requires reading glasses for reading or computer work. Eye strain with uncorrected vision problems such as farsightedness can lead to additional symptoms such as burning eyes and aching of the eye area.

Cause of farsightedness

An error of refraction in the human eye that causes light rays to focus behind the retina instead of on it causes farsightedness. This is the opposite of nearsightedness, in which a person is able to clearly see objects up close but has trouble seeing at a distance.

REFERENCE:

Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.

Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 3/15/2019

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