Farsightedness (Hyperopia) in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Children who are farsighted can see faraway objects. But they have trouble seeing things that are close. If your child is farsighted, your child may have trouble with up-close tasks like reading or sewing.

Farsightedness occurs because your child's 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 children. Their eyes can often adjust to make up for the problem. But glasses or contact lenses can help if your child's farsightedness is more than a mild problem. Surgery may be an option in some cases.

How can you care for your child at home?

Reduce eyestrain

• Make sure that your child wears eyeglasses or contact lenses as prescribed.
• Use good light for reading or study. Use a soft background light plus a light on your child's task.
• To make it easier to read, choose large-print books. Adjust the print size on your child's computer and online when possible.
• Have your child take frequent breaks when doing closeup work that can be hard on the eyes. Tell your child to blink often and to close and rest when their eyes feel tired or dry.
• Avoid glare on TV and computer screens. Place the TV or computer screen where lights do not reflect on the screen. Some children find it easier to work on a computer in a dimly lit room. Special nonglare screens that fit over the computer screen may help.

Keep your child's eyes healthy

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