# What is Hyperopia (Long-Sightedness)?

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/eye-diseases/what-is-hyperopia

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-08

> **Summary:** Hyperopia (long-sightedness) is a refractive error in which light focuses behind the retina, usually because the eyeball is shorter than normal or the cornea is flat, so near objects look blurred; at higher degrees distance vision blurs too. It is corrected with glasses, contact lenses, laser surgery or an intraocular lens.

## Quick Facts
- **Onset:** Usually from childhood
- **Laser limits:** Up to +5 dioptres with iLASIK and PRK / No Touch Laser (can vary with corneal structure)
- **ReLEx SMILE PRO:** Not used for hyperopia
- **Laser duration:** Five to ten minutes in total for both eyes, with local anaesthetic drops
- **Recovery:** Most people see clearly the following day

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## What is Hyperopia?
Light refracted by the cornea and lens focuses behind the retina. Causes are an eyeball shorter than normal or a flat cornea. In mild hyperopia distance vision usually stays clear while near vision is reduced; as the degree increases, distance vision also blurs. It can sometimes lead to strabismus (squint). Letters may seem to run together when reading or using a phone.

## Symptoms
- Blurred near vision; blurred distance vision at high degrees
- Eye strain, burning, redness
- Squinting to see clearly, difficulty focusing
- Headache and eye pain after long reading, computer or phone use
- Blurred night vision
- Lazy eye (amblyopia)

These symptoms can also belong to other conditions, so see an ophthalmologist promptly.

## Diagnosis
The ophthalmologist measures the degree of hyperopia with instruments and assesses symptoms. Clinical findings:
- Flat cornea
- Reduced near visual acuity
- Eyeball smaller than normal

## Treatment
Patients without symptoms or with a low prescription are followed; symptomatic patients are treated. The aim is to make light focus correctly on the retina.
- **Glasses:** The most commonly recommended, economical and accessible option, using convex lenses (thinner at the edges). High prescriptions make lenses thicker; thinning options exist.
- **Contact lenses:** Suit active lifestyles and are unaffected by weather. Strict hygiene: clean hands, fresh solution each use, to avoid infection. Lenses can cause dry eye; artificial tears may be recommended.
- **Laser surgery:** Generally iLASIK, LASIK, No Touch Laser and PRK; depends on preference and corneal suitability. Up to +5 dioptres with iLASIK and PRK / No Touch Laser, varying with corneal structure. ReLEx SMILE PRO treats only myopia and astigmatism, not hyperopia. Low risk, mild discomfort, five to ten minutes in total for both eyes under local anaesthetic drops; with proper patient selection complications are very low and most see clearly the next day.
- **Intraocular lens (IOL):** An alternative treatment option.

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## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Can hyperopia be cured completely?**
A: In suitable candidates, laser or surgery can give a permanent correction; glasses and contact lenses correct the error but do not remove it.

**Q: Are hyperopia and presbyopia the same?**
A: No. Hyperopia can be present from birth or a young age; presbyopia develops as the lens loses flexibility with age.

**Q: Which treatments are used?**
A: Glasses, contact lenses, laser surgery or an intraocular lens (IOL) implant.

**Q: Does hyperopia matter in children?**
A: Yes. Especially at higher degrees it can lead to lazy eye if untreated, so regular check-ups are important.

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## References
- Long-sightedness, NHS
- Farsightedness (Hyperopia), American Academy of Ophthalmology