Long sightedness and farsightedness are both terms to describe hyperopia, which is a type of refractive error that causes blurry vision if looking at things close up, such as when reading words in a book.
Farsightedness
Farsightedness
Farsightedness, otherwise known as hyperopia or being long sighted, is a common eye condition in which a person can see distant objects clearly, but objects close by appear blurred.
What is the Meaning of Long Sightedness?
What Causes Farsightedness?
Farsightedness occurs when light is not refracted properly through the eye’s cornea. This causes light to focus on the back of the retina instead of onto it. It can be because the cornea is too flat or the eye is too short or by a combination of both. This is what makes items nearby look blurry, while those in the distance remain clear. Watch the video to find out more.
Long Sightedness Symptoms
Symptoms include not being able to see clearly up close but being able to see items in the distance without difficulty. If you have it severely, you may struggle to see things clearly even at a distance. Another common symptom if left untreated is headaches, which occur due to eye strain. This is just one of the reasons it’s important to seek treatment.
The Difference Between Hyperopia and Presbyopia
If you are over 42 and your near sight is gradually being lost and you require reading glasses, you probably have presbyopia rather than hyperopia (farsightedness). This is a different condition that is age-related. To find out more about the condition and treatments, visit our presbyopia page by clicking the button below.
FAQs
Can you be both long and short sighted?
Yes it is possible to be both long and short sighted, meaning to have hyperopia and myopia, but not in the same eye. It’s a condition called anisometropia, where one eye has a different refractive error than the other.
Can you get glasses for long sightedness?
Yes, glasses are an effective treatment but you will need a prescription and to wear them long-term. More permanent corrective treatment options include laser eye surgery, lens replacement surgery and implantable contact lenses.
Can you get contact lenses for long sightedness?
Yes contact lenses can be an effective treatment for long sightedness but again, you will need a prescription and to wear them for life. More permanent corrective treatment options include laser eye surgery, lens replacement surgery and implantable contact lenses.
Does far sightedness get worse with age?
Yes, farsightedness does tend to get worse with age. This kind of age-specific version of the vision impairment is known as presbyopia. The two conditions have different underlying causes so it’s important to see an expert if you notice your sight worsening.
Author Information
Authored by Sheraz Daya MD FACP FACS FRCS(Ed) FRCOphth, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon & Medical Director, June 2019.
Next review due June 2025.