Select City
phone icon in white color

Call Us

Book Free Appointment

USFDA-Approved Procedure

USFDA-Approved Procedure

Support in Insurance Claim

Support in Insurance Claim

No-Cost EMI

No-Cost EMI

1-day Hospitalization

1-day Hospitalization

What Is Hypermetropia?
Types Of Hypermetropia
What Causes Hypermetropia?
Symptoms Of Hypermetropia
Diagnosis And Evaluation Of Hypermetropia
How Can Hypermetropia Be Treated?
When Is Hypermetropia Considered Serious?
Prevention Of Hypermetropia
When To Consult A Doctor For Hypermetropia?

What Is Hypermetropia?

Hypermetropia, often called long-sightedness or farsightedness, is a common refractive error of the eye. This condition allows you to see distant objects clearly, but nearby objects seem out of focus and blurry. The blurriness occurs when the light entering the eye is focused behind the retina rather than directly on it. This typically happens due to a shorter eyeball or a flatter cornea, leading to incorrect light refraction. 

In India, hypermetropia affects a significant number of individuals across all age groups. Like many other eye-related conditions, early detection and treatment can ensure better management and prevent related complications such as lazy eye (amblyopia), squint (strabismus), chronic eye strain, or severe headaches. Hence, routine eye examinations and consultations with experienced ophthalmologists are highly recommended.

Types Of Hypermetropia

Here’s a brief overview of different types of hypermetropia:

  • Simple Hypermetropia: This is the most common form where distant objects are clear but near ones appear blurry. It is typically due to a shorter eyeball or a flatter cornea.
  • Functional Hypermetropia: This form occurs due to the inability of the eye muscles to adjust. It is often seen in conditions like third cranial nerve palsy or internal ophthalmoplegia.
  • Pathological Hypermetropia: This type results from congenital or acquired conditions affecting the eye’s structure. It includes several subtypes like Senile Hypermetropia, Positional Hypermetropia, Aphakic Hypermetropia, and Consecutive Hypermetropia.
  • Compound Hypermetropic Astigmatism: A combination of hyperopia and astigmatism results in blurriness for both near and far objects due to the cornea or lens’s irregular curvature.

Facultative and Absolute Hyperopia: Facultative Hyperopia can be compensated through accommodation (eye focus), while Absolute Hyperopia requires corrective lenses as, accommodation alone is insufficient.

What Causes Hypermetropia?

Hypermetropia usually arises due to structural shortcomings or functional issues related to the eye’s anatomy and its refractive capabilities. The primary causes are:

  • Short axial length of the eye
  • Flat cornea
  • Weakness of the crystalline lens
  • Genetic factors
  • Age-related changes
  • Congenital conditions
  • Acquired conditions
  • Accommodation problems

Symptoms Of Hypermetropia

Hypermetropia manifests through several symptoms that can affect everyday life. The severity varies from individual to individual, but the most common symptoms include:

  • Blurred vision: This is often the first symptom individuals notice, where nearby objects appear blurred while distant objects might seem relatively sharp. The blurriness can affect routine tasks like reading or computer work.
  • Eye strain: Continuous efforts to focus on close tasks can strain the eyes, leading to discomfort or a feeling of fatigue in the eyes.
  • Headaches: Many people with hypermetropia report headaches, especially after engaging in activities that require close vision like reading or writing.
  • Difficulty focusing: Maintaining focus on near objects might be challenging, causing the person to squint or strain to see clearly.
  • Fatigue: Experiencing general fatigue or a dull headache is common after performing close-up work for an extended period.
  • Burning sensation: Some individuals might feel a burning sensation in and around the eyes after prolonged close-up tasks.

Red or dry eyes: Increased eye strain can cause redness and a dry sensation in the eyes, adding to overall discomfort.

Diagnosis And Evaluation Of Hypermetropia

Hypermetropia is diagnosed using a comprehensive eye examination that assesses visual acuity and identifies refractive errors. 

  • Visual acuity test: A visual acuity test forms the first part of this diagnostic process, which measures how well you can see at various distances. It typically involves reading letters on an eye chart to check visual clarity.
  • Refraction test: This test determines the correct prescription for corrective lenses. During this test, a phoropter or autorefractor is used to measure how the eye focuses light rays. The aim is to identify the most powerful convex lens that lets the patient achieve the best possible vision, typically 20/20.

Cycloplegic refraction test: Children or patients suspected of latent hyperopia might undergo cycloplegic refraction.  Here, cycloplegic agents like atropine are used to temporarily paralyse the ciliary muscle, enabling a more accurate measurement of refractive error by eliminating accommodation.

How Can Hypermetropia Be Treated?

Hypermetropia can be effectively treated using various methods that are personalised based on the patient’s needs and the severity of the condition. Here are the primary treatments available:

  • Corrective glasses: The most common treatment is prescription glasses with convex lenses that help bend light rays inward, allowing them to focus correctly on the retina and improving near vision.
  • Contact lenses: Contact lenses with positive power can also correct hypermetropia. Providing a wider field of vision, they are less likely to interfere with physical activities. 
  • Orthokeratology: This non-surgical procedure involves wearing specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses overnight that temporarily reshape the cornea. It enables clear vision during daylight hours without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
  • Surgical options: Procedures like LASIK, LASEK, and PRK reshape the cornea to improve focusing power. Implantable contact lenses (ICLs) may be inserted into the eye for those not suitable for laser surgery. Refractive lens exchange replaces the natural lens of the eye with an artificial one—an option typically recommended for individuals with high degrees of hypermetropia or presbyopia.

Choosing the best treatment involves various factors such as the severity of hypermetropia, age, overall eye health, lifestyle, and visual needs. Consultations with a reliable eye care professional are crucial in this journey towards better vision.

When Is Hypermetropia Considered Serious?

Hypermetropia becomes a matter of concern when it starts to significantly affect your vision and interfere with daily activities. Here are some key indicators to look out for:

  • High hypermetropia: A refractive error greater than +5.00 diopters (D) is categorised as high hypermetropia. Blurred vision at this level can affect near tasks and distant objects, potentially leading to significant visual impairment.
  • Persistent symptoms: If you constantly suffer from severe eye strain, headaches, and blurry vision, especially during near-vision tasks such as reading or using a computer, you might have serious hypermetropia.
  • Developmental concerns in children: Uncorrected high hypermetropia in children can lead to conditions such as amblyopia or strabismus. Also, moderate to high hypermetropia can cause difficulties in academic performance due to compromised visual functions.
  • Inability to compensate: As hypermetropia progresses, the eye’s ability to focus tends to weaken. If you’re finding it increasingly difficult to focus on objects both near and far, it might be indicative of serious hypermetropia.

Prevention Of Hypermetropia

Preventing hypermetropia can be tricky, as it usually arises due to the anatomical structure of the eye or the natural ageing process. However, regular eye examinations can help detect the condition early, enabling timely treatment and preventing further complications.

Always remember to protect your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses when outside. Try limiting your screen time or taking frequent breaks during work to prevent eye strain. A healthy diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E also promotes good eye health. On detection, corrective measures such as glasses or contact lenses can be prescribed by your ophthalmologist (eye specialist). This helps manage the condition effectively and prevent potential long-term issues.

For children, regular vision screenings are crucial in the early detection of hypermetropia. Consult a paediatric ophthalmologist if any vision abnormalities are observed in your child.

When To Consult A Doctor For Hypermetropia?

It’s crucial to consult an ophthalmologist if you or your child experience persistent headaches, eye strain, squinting, or difficulty performing near-vision tasks such as reading or sewing. Early detection and treatment can ward off potential complications and improve your quality of life. Regular eye check-ups are important for everyone, especially for those with a family history of refractive errors.

Dr. Rahul Sharma (TEJFraQUZY)
Consult with Our Expert Doctors for FREE!
cost calculator
i
i
i
i
Call Us

To confirm your details, please enter OTP sent to you on *

i

FAQs

What are the main causes of hypermetropia?

Hypermetropia happens when the eye does not focus light on the retina properly. The most common cause of hypermetropia is the natural ageing process. Genetics also play a crucial role; if your parents are long-sighted, you are more likely to have the condition too. Sometimes, hypermetropia can be due to medical conditions like diabetes or certain medications.

How does hypermetropia affect children differently than adults?

In children, hypermetropia can sometimes be linked to a lazy eye or a squint. This happens because a child’s eyes may overcompensate for their long-sightedness, leading to these conditions. In adults, the visual accommodation naturally decreases with age, and hence they may find it more difficult to adjust their vision and may require corrective glasses.

Does hypermetropia cause permanent vision loss?

Hypermetropia itself does not cause permanent vision loss. However, if left untreated, it could lead to conditions such as strabismus or lazy eye in children and severe eye strain or headaches in adults. Regular eye check-ups can help in early detection and treatment.

Is it possible to outgrow hypermetropia?

Children with mild to moderate hypermetropia often outgrow the condition as their eyes grow and develop. However, those with high degrees of hypermetropia may continue to have the condition into adulthood.

Is hypermetropia the same as presbyopia?

Hypermetropia and presbyopia both result in difficulty focusing on close-up tasks. However, they are not the same. Hypermetropia is usually a genetic condition or eye postural problem and can occur at any age. Presbyopia, on the other hand, is an age-related change that affects everyone over the age of 40 to some degree.

How often should I get my eyes tested if I have hypermetropia?

If you’ve been diagnosed with hypermetropia, it’s recommended you get your eyes tested every two years unless your doctor advises otherwise. However, if you’re experiencing any changes in your vision or new symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor at the soonest.

Can hypermetropia get worse over time?

Yes, hypermetropia can often worsen over time. This is particularly true in the case of children as their eyes continue to grow and change shape. Regular visits to an eye doctor are crucial to monitor and manage the condition effectively.

Can hypermetropia be cured?

Hypermetropia cannot be completely cured. However, it can be effectively managed with prescription glasses or contact lenses. In some cases, refractive surgery may be considered to alter the shape of the cornea and improve vision.

Will I always need glasses if I have hypermetropia?

Not necessarily. Some people with mild hypermetropia may not need glasses or contacts all the time. However, they may find them useful for certain tasks like reading, writing, or using a computer. As the condition progresses or if it’s severe, you may need to wear glasses or contacts more frequently. Regular eye exams will help your doctor monitor your condition and adjust your prescription as needed.

Which is a better option: glasses or contact lenses?

Both glasses and contact lenses effectively correct hypermetropia, but the choice between them depends on individual preferences regarding comfort, lifestyle, aesthetics, and maintenance. Consulting with an eye care professional can help determine the best option based on personal needs and circumstances.