What is farsightedness?
Farsightedness is a refractive error that causes blurred and uncomfortable vision of nearby objects (and sometimes also distant objects). Unlike nearsightedness, images are focused behind the retina, rather than directly on it.
People who suffer from hyperopia are characterised by alterations in the different structures of the eye such as its corneal curvature, the optical power of its lens (low power) or the size of its eyeball (shorter than normal length).
Like myopia, farsightedness has an important hereditary component.
Hyperopia affects 30% of Spaniards and occurs in up to 70% of newborns.
NORMAL EYE
FARSIGHTEDNESS
Farsightedness at different ages
INFANCY
Farsightedness affects most newborns, as their eyes are not fully developed yet.
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However, this visual abnormality tends to correct itself naturally, as the child grows.
When the problem persists and is not corrected properly, other visual disturbances can be triggered, such as lazy eye or strabismus.
Although hyperopia cannot be prevented, it is advisable to have a complete ophthalmological check-up from the age of 3-4 to detect or rule out any visual alteration that is still latent. If you have a family history or there are any previous symptoms, it is recommended to have this check-up before this age.
ADOLESCENCE
Young people with hyperopia and low prescription do not usually manifest it since they compensate for it through the effort of accommodation.
ADULTHOOD
In adults over 40 years of age, farsightedness can be confused with presbyopia or eyestrain.
However, this visual abnormality tends to correct itself naturally, as the child grows.
When the problem persists and is not corrected properly, other visual disturbances can be triggered, such as lazy eye or strabismus.
Although hyperopia cannot be prevented, it is advisable to have a complete ophthalmological check-up from the age of 3-4 to detect or rule out any visual alteration that is still latent. If you have a family history or there are any previous symptoms, it is recommended to have this check-up before this age.
