Farsightedness, technically called hyperopia, is a vision condition in which distant objects are usually seen clearly, but close objects are not brought into proper focus.

lf the length of the eyeball is too short, the crystalline lens of the eye can't bring near objects into a sharp and clearly focused image. Some theorists believe that farsightedness is hereditary while others believe that it may result from environmental factors.

The farsighted person subconsciously exerts extra effort to maintain clear distance vision and even greater effort to see clearly at close range. This extra effort can cause fatigue, tension and discomfort. If the eye is too short or the image too close, blurred-vision occurs.

Many individuals have some degree of farsightedness. This condition is only a problem, if it signi?cantly affects a person's ability to see. It is estimated that over half of all people who wear glasses are wearing them because of a focusing problem due to farsightedness or presbyopia.

Common symptoms of farsightedness include difficulty in concentrating and maintaining a clear focus on near objects; eyestrain; general tension; fatigue and/or headaches after close work aching or burning eyes; poor reading ability; holding material away from the eyes; and irritability or nervousness after sustained concentration.

Farsightedness can be effectively diagnosed during a complete eye examination. It should be noted that the common vision screening, often done in school, is generally ineffective in detecting farsighted individuals. This occurs because these individuals can usually identify the letters on eye chart with little difficulty.

In mild cases, your eyes may be able to compensate adequately without the need for corrective lenses. In more severe cases, your Doctor may recommend glasses, contact lenses, or in some instance, LASIK LASER therapy to correct the problem.

If glasses or contact lenses are prescribed, it may take a few days to adjust to them. After that, farsightedness will probably not affect your lifestyle at all.