What is Hypermetropia
Hypermetropia, also known as hyperopia or farsightedness, is a common refractive error of the eye that causes difficulty in seeing objects up close. In individuals with hypermetropia, the light rays entering the eye are not focused correctly, resulting in blurry vision at short distances. This condition is typically inherited and is present at birth, although it can also develop later in life due to various factors.
Hypermetropia can be corrected through eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery, such as LASIK. It is important to get regular eye exams to diagnose and treat hypermetropia, as it can lead to other vision problems if left untreated.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for hypermetropia, as well as provide tips for managing this condition.
Causes of Hypermetropia
Hypermetropia occurs when the eyeball is too short or the cornea is too flat, which causes the light rays entering the eye to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurry vision at short distances, as the image is not in focus on the retina.
Hypermetropia is typically inherited and present at birth, but it can also develop later in life due to various factors, including:
- Aging: As we get older, the muscles in the eye may become weaker, which can cause hypermetropia to develop or worsen.
- Presbyopia: This is a natural age-related condition that causes the lens of the eye to become less flexible, making it harder to focus on objects up close. Presbyopia is a common cause of hypermetropia in people over the age of 40.
- Eye injuries or surgeries: Certain eye injuries or surgeries, such as cataract removal, can cause hypermetropia to develop or worsen.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid disease, can affect the shape of the eyeball and cause hypermetropia.
Symptoms of Hypermetropia
The main symptom of hypermetropia is difficulty seeing objects up close, such as when reading or working on a computer. Other symptoms may include:
- Blurred vision at short distances
- Headaches
- Eye strain or fatigue
- Squinting to see clearly
- Double vision
- Astigmatism (distorted vision at all distances)
It is important to note that not all individuals with hypermetropia will experience symptoms, especially if the condition is mild. However, if you experience any of the above symptoms, it is important to see an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam.
Diagnosis of Hypermetropia
Hypermetropia can be diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam, which typically includes the following tests:
- Visual acuity test: This test measures how well you see at different distances. The eye doctor will ask you to read letters on a chart while standing at a specific distance.
- Refraction test: This test measures the refractive error of your eye and determines the prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses. During the test, the eye doctor will ask you to look through a device called a phoropter, which contains different lenses, and determine which lens gives you the clearest vision.
- Retinoscopy: This test involves shining a light into your eye and observing the reflection off the back of your eye (retina). This helps the eye doctor determine the refractive error of your eye and your eyeglass or contact lens prescription.
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