Laser Vision Correction for Hyperopia (Farsightedness)

April 14, 2017

For people with hyperopia, the eye is either too short compared to the curvature of the cornea, or the cornea is flatter than normal, causing light to focus just behind the retina instead of directly on it. Nearly one in four people are hyperopic, and most babies are hyperopic when they are born, but their farsightedness tends to decrease as they get older. For young people who continue to have hyperopia, however, it can often be self-corrected by basically using a conscious effort to “zoom” to correct the focus. As the eye ages, this “zooming” function becomes weaker, and near vision becomes blurred. Later, distance vision becomes blurred as well. Therefore, people with hyperopia often require reading glasses before their forties, and later need them even for distance. This can be frustrating for someone who grew up with a good vision, as they find tasks such as reading and close work become more difficult than they used to be.

Hyperopia Treatment: Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery can correct farsightedness by changing the shape of the cornea so that its focusing power is matched to the length of the eye, correcting the way in which light focuses onto the retina. At Clarity Laser Vision, Dr. Al-Ghoul can use both LASIK and PRK to steepen the cornea and correct hyperopia. Dr. Al-Ghoul will often note that for hyperopic patients, however, the likelihood of requiring a touch-up procedure following refractive eye surgery is greater than for myopic patients. Provided it is safe to do so, Dr. Al-Ghoul will offer this option to provide you with the best possible outcome for you and your vision!

Are you finding that your farsightedness is beginning to make day-to-day tasks more difficult? Call Clarity Laser Vision today to book an assessment and discuss your refractive surgery options!