Farsightedness
FDA Approved
Advanced Technology
Why It Matters
Farsightedness is one of the most common refractive errors affecting vision. Although some people have only mild symptoms, others may struggle with near tasks such as reading, screen use or detailed work. Understanding the condition and identifying it early can help prevent eye strain and maintain comfortable vision.
What is Farsightedness (Hyperopia)?
Farsightedness, also known as hyperopia, is a common refractive error that affects how light focuses in the eye. It occurs when the eye is slightly shorter than normal or when the cornea does not bend light correctly. As a result, light entering the eye focuses behind the retina instead of directly on it, which can make nearby objects appear blurred.
People with hyperopia often see distant objects more clearly than close ones. Tasks such as reading, using a phone, or working on a computer may require extra effort for the eyes to focus. This can sometimes lead to eye strain, headaches, or tired eyes, particularly after prolonged close work.
Farsightedness can be present from childhood, and many children have mild hyperopia that improves as the eye develops. In adults, the condition may become more noticeable over time as the eye’s ability to focus gradually changes with age.
Hyperopia is usually easy to diagnose during a comprehensive eye examination and can typically be corrected effectively with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery, helping to restore clear and comfortable vision.
What are the Symptoms of Farsightedness (Hyperopia)?
Farsightedness symptoms can vary depending on the degree of hyperopia and the age of the person. Younger individuals may compensate for mild farsightedness by focusing harder, meaning symptoms can sometimes go unnoticed until eye strain or headaches develop. A comprehensive eye examination can confirm whether hyperopia is affecting vision and determine the most appropriate correction.
Blurred vision when looking at nearby objects
Reading, using a phone or working on a computer may appear slightly blurred or difficult to focus on.
Eye strain during close work
The eyes may feel tired or uncomfortable after activities that require sustained focus, such as reading or screen use.
Frequent headaches
Straining to focus on near objects can sometimes cause headaches, particularly around the forehead or eyes.
Difficulty concentrating on detailed tasks
Activities that require clear near vision, such as reading small text or sewing, may feel more challenging.
Squinting to improve focus
Some people squint when trying to see nearby objects more clearly.
Tired or aching eyes
Extended periods of close work may lead to general visual fatigue or discomfort.
What Causes Hyperopia?
Farsightedness occurs when the structure of the eye prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina. This usually happens because of the overall shape or focusing ability of the eye.
Common causes include:
Shorter eye length
The eye may be slightly shorter from front to back, causing light to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it.Flatter cornea
If the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) has too little curvature, it cannot bend light strongly enough to focus images correctly.Genetic factors
Hyperopia often runs in families, meaning children with farsighted parents are more likely to develop the condition.Normal eye development in childhood
Many children are naturally mildly farsighted while their eyes are still growing.Age-related changes in focusing ability
As the eye’s natural lens becomes less flexible with age, near focusing can become more difficult, making farsightedness more noticeable.
Because hyperopia is linked to the physical structure of the eye, it cannot usually be prevented. However, once diagnosed, it can typically be corrected effectively with glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery.
Farsightedness Treatments
Glasses or contact lenses are often used to treat the symptoms of farsightedness, however this will mean having a prescription and wearing them for life. Luckily, there are also a number of more permanent corrective options. These generally fall into three categories: laser eye surgery, lens replacement surgery and implantable contact lenses. These options are highly successful and offer some amazing visual outcomes that have provided life changing results for so many of our patients. Click on the buttons below to find out more about each treatment.
Laser Eye Surgery
Lasik Laser eye surgery is a common and popular vision correction procedure which corrects refractive errors including short-sightedness, far-sightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia.
Implantable Contact Lenses
Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL), the EVO Visian ICL are micro-thin lenses placed inside the eye to correct short-sightedness (myopia), far-sightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism.
Lens Replacement Surgery
Lens Replacement Surgery is another vision correction option. The procedure involves replacing the natural lens inside the eye with a high-performance lens implant.
Diagnosis & Assessment
Farsightedness (hyperopia) is usually diagnosed during a comprehensive eye examination. Because the condition affects how light focuses on the retina, assessment focuses on measuring visual clarity and evaluating how well the eye can focus at different distances. Identifying the degree of hyperopia helps determine the most suitable correction or treatment.
1
How We Assess Your Vision
Your assessment is carried out by a specialist ophthalmologist who will evaluate both the health of your eyes and your visual function. The aim is to determine how your eyes focus light and whether farsightedness is affecting your near vision.
Duration: 60–90 Minutes
What to Expect
Detailed symptom and medical history
Comprehensive vision and refraction test
Slit-lamp examination of the front of the eye
Assessment of overall eye health
2
Tests and Scans You May Have
Additional tests may be used to measure the focusing power of the eye and determine the level of farsightedness present.
Duration: 60–90 Minutes
What to Expect
Visual acuity testing for near and distance vision
Refraction testing to determine prescription strength
Keratometry to measure corneal curvature
Eye pressure measurement if required
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What Happens at Your First Appointment
Following your examination and any necessary tests, your consultant will explain the findings clearly and discuss the most appropriate options to correct your vision.
Duration: 60–90 Minutes
What to Expect
Clear explanation of your diagnosis
Measurement of the degree of hyperopia
Discussion of treatment or correction options
Personalised follow-up plan if needed
Our Consultants
Meet our team of expert and world-renowned Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons
Why Choose Centre for Sight
Centre for Sight is one of the UK’s most established and pioneering eye care providers, with over 30 years of experience and multiple national firsts. We were the first clinic in the UK to perform LASIK, and among the earliest to introduce femtosecond laser technology for both laser eye surgery and cataract procedures. Our consultants have collectively performed over 35,000 cataract surgeries, delivering exceptional outcomes backed by audited results and world-class surgical expertise. Patients benefit from fully consultant-led care, advanced diagnostic technology, and personalised treatment planning all supported by our reputation as a trusted centre where ophthalmologists from around the world come to observe and train. At Centre for Sight, innovation, safety, and excellence are built into every step of your journey.
Patient Success Stories
Such great care and service here. I had a household accident last week and came to get my eye looked at, which they went out of their way to accomodate on the same morning of ringing. The team is amazing, the admin, nurses, and consultant were really kind and caring. The follow up care has also been great with calls after a week to check how I’m getting on. Everyone has been so warm and friendly, a huge heartfelt thank you!
Centre For Sight
sana ali
The best decision ever! My eye treatment at Centre for Sight has changed my life and enhanced my confidence. Having trifocal lenses implanted by Mr Sheraz Daya has restored my eyesight and I no longer need to use any lenses for reading, driving or any other activities.
From my first encounter with Mr Daya and his team at Centre for Sight, I felt most reassured that I was getting a very professional opinion and treatment. The day of the procedure was made much easier by the comforting support provided to me by Dr Espinosa whilst Mr Daya was performing my eye surgery. Overall, a fantastic experience and a great result.
Centre For Sight
Manuel Oyarzabal
Really proffesional
The professionalism I experienced right the way through the process was just brilliant. With all the testing prior to surgery, I felt very sure that I was doing the right thing. Saj Khan was not only very proffesional, he was also quite funny, which put you at ease.
Centre For Sight
Nigel Guthrie
A heartfelt thank you also to his team: Adora and Teresa, who have supported me from my very first appointment and always make me feel welcome, and Katie, Debra and Alex at Grinstead, who cared for me during surgery and helped me through one of the most anxious times of my life.
I cannot recommend Dr Daya and his team enough. For anyone who is unsure or afraid of taking this step — please know this really can change your life.
Centre For Sight
Rikesh Patel
Excellent Result
Initial tests were very thorough and the recommendations clearly set out. The operation itself was quick and painless. All the staff were friendly and professional. The aftercare was faultless.
Centre For Sight
Derek
Our Centres
London Centre
Suite 2, 14 Queen Anne Street, London W1G 8HZ
Centre for Sight London, located at 14 Queen Anne St, Suite 2, in the prestigious Harley Street area, offers consultations, follow-up care, and YAG laser procedures.
Sussex Centre
Hazelden Place, Turners Hill Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 4RH
Arguably the most modern private eye hospital in the UK, our hospital in Sussex offers Laser Vision Correction, Corneal Transplants, Stem Cell Surgery and more.
Surrey Centre
48 High Street, Oxshott, Surrey, KT22 0JR
Centre for Sight London, located at 14 Queen Anne St, Suite 2, in the prestigious Harley Street area, offers consultations, follow-up care, and YAG laser procedures.
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FAQs
Below are answers to common questions about farsightedness (hyperopia).
Can you be both long and short sighted?
Yes it is possible to be both long and short sighted, meaning to have hyperopiaand myopia, but not in the same eye. It’s a condition called anisometropia, where one eye has a different refractive error than the other.
Is farsightedness the same as long-sightedness?
Yes. Farsightedness and long-sightedness both refer to hyperopia, a vision condition where the eye has difficulty focusing on nearby objects. Distant objects may appear clearer than close ones.
Does farsightedness get worse with age?
Farsightedness can become more noticeable with age as the eye’s natural lens gradually loses flexibility. This can make focusing on near objects more difficult, particularly after the age of 40.
Can farsightedness cause headaches or eye strain?
Yes. Because the eyes must work harder to focus on nearby objects, people with hyperopia may experience headaches, tired eyes or eye strain, especially during reading or prolonged screen use.
Have Questions?
Our patient care team is here to answer any questions you may have.