Hyperopia Near San Fernando Valley, CA

Close to a fourth of the United States' population is impacted by hyperopia or farsightedness. Hyperopia is a condition that affects how individuals can clearly focus or see items, letters, or pictures that are close to the eyes. Farsighted people usually have no issues seeing at a distance; however, certain activities, such as reading, knitting, or withdrawing a splinter can become problematic. With hyperopia, you may also experience other unpleasant symptoms that affect your daily routine. At Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley in San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, CA, our expert team of optometrists can assess your eyes for farsightedness and provide a tailored treatment plan that works best for you. Schedule an appointment at our Encino or West Hills facility for an eye exam. We can diagnose and treat your hyperopia so you can obtain clearer vision and live more comfortably.

Farsightedness can cause chronic eye strain, particularly for patients who perform jobs that involve a lot of reading, writing, or using a computer. Without the proper treatment, the eye strain may cause uncomfortable symptoms, including headaches, tired eyes, and stinging, sore eyes. In addition, because of the dramatic increase in mobile device usage, patients with farsightedness have even more problems with daily routines. If an optometrist previously diagnosed you with hyperopia, but you still experience headaches or eye strain, you may need an updated prescription for your glasses or contacts.

Farsightedness is a genetic condition that happens when the eyes are shorter than normal from front to back. Because the eye is shorter, this prevents the light rays from properly reaching the retina, which results in the blurry vision. Generally, this condition is genetic and happens at birth. As the eyes begin to develop more during adolescence, children might outgrow their hyperopia. This condition is more common in families that have a history of farsightedness. Hyperopia is similar to another condition known as presbyopia; however, these conditions are caused by different reasons and are not the same.

Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is typically diagnosed during a comprehensive eye examination. The process includes a series of tests to assess the clarity of vision, the ability of the eyes to focus at different distances, and the overall health of the eyes. One of the key diagnostic tools used is a refraction test, where the patient looks through a phoropter — a device with multiple lenses — while reading an eye chart. Additionally, a retinoscopy may be performed, which involves shining a light into the eyes and observing the reflection of the retina to determine if the light is focusing behind the retina, indicative of hyperopia. These tests help the eye care professional diagnose hyperopia and recommend the appropriate corrective lenses or other treatments.

At Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley, we offer a variety of treatments to help manage this condition, such as prescription contact lenses, eyeglasses, and laser vision surgery. In some cases, patients may prefer not to deal with contact lenses or glasses every day. We proudly offer laser vision correction surgery to reduce the dependence on these items and provide long-lasting results. During your appointment with one of our expert eye doctors, we can help you determine what treatment options work best for you, including laser vision treatment. For patients interested in laser surgery, the next step is to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled ophthalmologists.

At what age does hyperopia typically occur?
Hyperopia can be present at birth. Many children outgrow this condition as their eyes develop, but it can persist into adulthood. It's common for hyperopia to become more noticeable as people age, particularly after the age of 40, due to changes in the eye's lens.

Can hyperopia get worse if it’s not treated?
Untreated hyperopia can lead to eye strain, headaches, and difficulty focusing on close objects. While the condition itself may not worsen significantly without treatment, the associated discomfort and vision problems can impact daily activities and overall quality of life.

Is hyperopia preventable?
Currently, there is no known way to prevent hyperopia. However, regular eye exams and early detection can help manage the condition effectively. Prescription glasses or contact lenses can correct vision, and in some cases, refractive surgery may be an option to reduce dependence on corrective lenses.

If you find it difficult to see things up close, you may have an eye condition known as farsightedness. Additionally, if an eye doctor previously diagnosed you with farsightedness, but you still have issues with eye strain, headaches, or burning eyes, we recommend scheduling an appointment to update your prescription. Without proper treatment, the other symptoms associated with hyperopia may become more uncomfortable with time. At Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley in San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, CA, our team is proud to provide vision services that help you live more comfortably with clear vision. Please schedule an appointment with our skilled team at either of our locations in Encino or West Hills.