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September 15, 2025
Lena Sämann
Blurred vision up close? Farsightedness affects millions of people. Discover how this common vision disorder develops, what symptoms occur, and which modern treatment options can help you achieve sharp vision.
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Farsightedness, medically known as hyperopia is one of the most common vision disorders worldwide. People with farsightedness often see distant objects clearly, while nearby objects appear blurry or out of focus. This refractive error can significantly affect quality of life but can be successfully corrected with modern treatment methods.
Farsightedness is a refractive anomaly of the eye where light is not correctly focused on the retina. Instead, the focal point would theoretically lie behind the retina. This causes especially nearby objects to appear out of focus, while distance vision is often less affected.
Farsightedness is measured in diopters and indicated with a plus sign (+) before the number. The higher the value, the more pronounced the refractive error is.
The main cause of farsightedness lies in the anatomical structure of the eye. Two factors play a crucial role:
In the most common form of farsightedness, the eyeball is too short. The distance between cornea and retina is less than in a normal-sighted eye. This causes the light rays to meet behind the retina.
Less commonly, the cause is too low a refractive power of the cornea or the eye lens. The optical media of the eye are not strong enough to adequately focus the incoming light.
Farsightedness is often hereditary. Children of farsighted parents have an increased risk of developing hyperopia themselves. The genetic predisposition significantly determines the shape and size of the eyeball.
As we age, the lens of the eye loses elasticity, reducing its ability to accommodate. This can exacerbate existing farsightedness or cause problems with near vision in previously normal-sighted individuals.
The symptoms of farsightedness can be varied and depend on the degree and age manifest differently:
Children can often compensate for mild to moderate farsightedness due to their strong ability to accommodate. However, this can lead to hidden problems:
An accurate diagnosis is key to successful treatment. Ophthalmologists and optometrists use various examination methods:
The patient looks through various lenses and indicates which combination provides the sharpest vision. This method allows for individual adjustment of the correction.
Modern autorefractors measure the eye's refractive power automatically, without the need for active participation from the patient. This is particularly helpful for children or uncooperative patients.
With this traditional method, the examiner moves a beam of light across the pupil and observes the reflexes on the retina. Experienced ophthalmologists can thus perform very precise measurements.
The treatment of farsightedness has significantly advanced in recent years. Today, various effective options are available:
Glasses remain the classic and safest method for correcting farsightedness. Modern lenses offer numerous advantages:
Single vision lenses: Suitable for pure farsightedness without presbyopia. They correct visual impairment evenly at all distances.
Progressive lenses: For combined farsightedness and presbyopia enable seamless vision from far to near.
Modern lens materials:
Contact lenses offer special advantages for farsightedness and are available in various designs:
Hard (rigid) contact lenses:
Weiche Kontaktlinsen:
Multifocal contact lenses: Allow simultaneous correction of farsightedness and Presbyopia.
For patients seeking a permanent solution, various surgical procedures are available:
LASIK (Laser in-situ Keratomileusis)This is the most proven method with millions of successful treatments worldwide. A thin corneal flap is created and the underlying tissue is precisely ablated with the excimer laser.
LASEK/PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)In this procedure, the superficial corneal layer is removed and the tissue is directly treated. Especially suitable for patients with thin corneas.
Femto-LASIKThe latest generation of LASIK surgery uses a femtosecond laser for flap creation, leading to even more precise results.
Phakic intraocular lenses (PIOL)Additional lenses that are implanted in front of or behind the iris without removing the natural lens. Ideal for very high refractive errors.
Refractive lens exchangeThe natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens. Particularly useful for early cataracts or very high hyperopia.
Intracorneal ring segmentsSmall, transparent plastic rings inserted into the cornea to change its shape. A reversible procedure for moderate refractive errors.
While the genetic predisposition to farsightedness cannot be influenced, certain measures can help maintain eye health:
A balanced diet with eye-friendly nutrients can support eye health:
Children with farsightedness need special attention as uncorrected vision problems can affect development:
Untreated farsightedness in children can lead to the following problems:
Today, farsightedness no longer means a restriction in quality of life. With the right aids and treatments, those affected can lead a completely normal life:
The diagnosis of farsightedness can initially be unsettling. It is important to know:
Research is continuously working on new treatment options:
Farsightedness is a widespread but well-treatable visual impairment. From traditional glasses to modern contact lenses and innovative surgical procedures, numerous effective treatment options are available today. A decisive factor is an early and precise diagnosis and choosing the individually suitable treatment method.
People with farsightedness should have regular eye examinations and consult an ophthalmologist promptly if symptoms occur. With the right treatment, nothing stands in the way of a life with clear vision and high quality of life.
For questions about farsightedness or other eye diseases, contact a qualified ophthalmologist or optometrist. Individual advice is the first step to better vision.
