Hypermetropia, also known as farsightedness, is a common eye condition in which an individual has difficulty seeing objects up close, but can see distant objects clearly. It occurs when the eye is too short or the cornea is too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina instead of on it.

Symptoms of hypermetropia include difficulty reading or performing close-up tasks, headaches, eye strain, and fatigue. These symptoms can often be temporarily relieved by squinting or holding objects farther away.

To diagnose hypermetropia, an eye exam is performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. This typically includes a visual acuity test, a refraction test, and a retinoscopy. In a visual acuity test, the individual is asked to read letters on a chart at different distances. In a refraction test, the eye’s focusing power is measured. A retinoscopy involves shining a light into the eye to determine the eye’s refractive error.

Common treatment methods for hypermetropia include eyeglasses, contact lenses, and refractive surgery. Eyeglasses and contact lenses correct the refractive error by bending the light before it enters the eye. Refractive surgery, such as LASIK, changes the shape of the cornea to correct the refractive error.

To prevent hypermetropia from occurring, it is important to have regular eye exams, particularly during childhood. This can help detect any potential issues early on and prevent them from becoming worse. Additionally, certain lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, can also help prevent hypermetropia.