Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Care Instructions

Overview

People who are farsighted see far-away objects better than those that are close. If you are farsighted, you may have trouble with up-close tasks like reading or sewing.

Farsightedness occurs because your eye is too short and does not bend light correctly. Light entering the eye is focused behind the retina instead of directly on the retina.

Mild farsightedness may not need treatment in young adults. Their eyes can usually adjust to make up for the problem. But as you age, your eyes cannot adjust as well. You may not notice that you are farsighted until around age 40, when you will need eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Glasses or contact lenses can also help if your farsightedness is more than a mild problem. Surgery may be an option in some cases.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Reduce eyestrain

• Wear eyeglasses or contact lenses as prescribed.
• Provide good light for reading, work, or study. Use a soft background light plus a light on your task.
• To make it easier to read, choose large-print books and adjust the print size on your computer and online when possible.
• Take frequent breaks when you do close work that can be hard on your eyes. Blink often. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds (the "20-20-20" rule). Close and rest your eyes when they feel tired or dry.
• Avoid glare on TV and computer screens. Place your TV or computer screen where lights do not reflect on the screen. Some people find it easier to work on a computer in a dimly lit room. Special nonglare screens that fit over the computer screen are also available.

Keep your eyes healthy

• Have eye exams as often as your doctor recommends.
• Wear sunglasses to block harmful sunlight. Buy sunglasses that screen out ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) rays.