Hyperopia Explained: How Farsightedness Affects Daily Activities

If you find yourself squinting while reading or struggling to focus on your phone screen, you may be dealing with a common vision condition called hyperopia. Also known as farsightedness, hyperopia affects the ability to clearly see objects up close and can impact many parts of your daily routine, from reading for fun to focusing on your computer at work.

At SPEX in Seattle, WA, we are proud to help patients correct farsightedness with customized treatment plans designed by Dr. Scott Campbell, which may include corrective lenses or even laser eye surgery. Keep reading to learn more about the signs you're farsighted and how hyperopia can adversely impact even the simplest of daily activities.

What is hyperopia vs. myopia?

Hyperopia — more commonly known as farsightedness — occurs when light entering the eye focuses behind the retina instead of directly on it. This causes nearby objects to appear blurry, while distant objects remain in focus. Unlike nearsightedness (myopia), which impacts distance vision, hyperopia primarily affects close-range tasks.

What are the symptoms of farsightedness?

Depending on the severity of hyperopia, you may experience common signs and side effects of farsightedness, including:

• Eye strain
• Difficulty focusing on screens
• Headaches after close-up tasks
• Blurry vision close up
• Fatigue from prolonged near work

Many patients are surprised to learn just how much their quality of life — including simple daily tasks — is affected by uncorrected farsightedness.

What things are more difficult for farsighted people?

Because hyperopia primarily affects close-up vision, many routine tasks can become frustrating or inefficient. These challenges can interfere with both work and personal life, especially if farsightedness goes untreated. Some of the most common activities affected by farsightedness include:

• Reading books or magazines
• Using a smartphone or tablet
• Texting or typing
• Applying makeup or shaving
• Sewing or crafting
• Working on a computer
• Checking ingredients or labels

Even simple hobbies like puzzles or board games can become difficult if your eyes struggle to focus at close range.

How is hyperopia treated?

Farsightedness is typically diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. At SPEX, your appointment with Dr. Campbell includes vision testing, a close look at your overall eye health, and a conversation about your symptoms and daily habits. Depending on your lifestyle and preferences, you may choose from several treatment options to help manage hyperopia and improve near vision. Treatment options for farsightedness include:

• Prescription glasses
• Contact lenses
• Combination of glasses and contacts
• Laser surgery, like LASIK or PRK, for some candidates

Again, Dr. Campbell and our knowledgeable team will work with you to customize a treatment plan and/or select lenses from our wide range of custom contacts, eyeglasses, and designer frames that help restore close-up vision so you can do the things you love — and perform necessary daily tasks — with comfort and ease once again.

Struggling with close-up vision? Schedule your comprehensive eye exam in Seattle, WA

If you're tired of squinting at your phone or feeling drained after routine tasks, it may be time to have your vision checked. At SPEX in Seattle, WA, Dr. Scott Campbell provides a modern approach to the diagnosis and care for patients with hyperopia and other common vision conditions. Contact us to schedule your comprehensive eye exam today and find out how personalized vision care can help you feel more comfortable and confident in your daily life.