The clinical suspicion for hyperopia or farsightedness is usually clinched when patients present with following signs and symptoms:

• Frequency in squinting during focus to a nearby object.
• Complains of a blurry vision when object in focus are brought near the eyes.
• Recurrent eye strain characterized with the frequent burning sensation and aching of the eyes.
• Periodic headaches and eye discomfort during prolonged intervals of reading and using a computer.
• Difficulty in concentrating and maintaining a clear focus on nearby objects.
• Occasional bouts of double vision.
• Frequency in periods of unexplained fatigue.

• Fatigue

  This extra effort can cause fatigue, tension, and discomfort. How common is hyperopia? Many people have some degree of farsightedness. The condition is only a problem if it significantly affects a person’s ability to see. [eyedocsottawa.com]

  This extra energy being used to see clearly can cause tension, fatigue, headaches and discomfort. Blurred vision will also occur in the event that the crystalline lens of the eye cannot bring an object into focus. [virginiavisiontherapycenter.com]

  In children, the lens in the eye accommodates for this error and provides clear vision for distance and usually near viewing, but with considerable effort that often causes fatigue and sometimes crossed eyes (strabismus). [preventblindness.org]

  Moderate amounts of hyperopia can cause eyestrain, headaches and blur or fatigue with near tasks such as reading or computer work. More severe amounts of hyperopia will cause blur at all distances. [wildwoodvision.com]

• Weakness

  Hyperopia (farsightedness) Hyperopia is a refraction condition that is caused by the eye not growing to the normal length or the eye’s power is too weak. When the eye is too small the image of the image is focused behind the retina. [visiononesource.com]

  It may be caused by the eyeball being too small or the focusing power being too weak. Farsightedness is often present from birth, but children can often tolerate moderate amounts without difficulty and most outgrow the condition. [nlm.nih.gov]

  The eye's system is too weak and under converges light so the focal point lies behind the retina (hyperopia/farsighted). [antelopemalloptometry.com]

• Pain

  The decentered intracorneal lens was removed due to ocular pain and inflammation, epithelial ingrowth under the corneal flap, and high order aberrations. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Postoperative pain scores. v. Incidence of symptoms attributed to dry eyes post‐treatment. [doi.org]

  If you have been diagnosed with farsightedness or suspect you may have farsightedness and you suddenly develop severe eye pain, eye redness, or decreased vision you should see your eye doctor immediately. Katz M, Kruger PB. [web.archive.org]

  See a provider right away if you think you have farsightedness and you suddenly develop the following symptoms: Severe eye pain Eye redness Decreased vision Diniz D, Irochima F, Schor P. Optics of the human eye. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. [nlm.nih.gov]

  […] is too small The focusing power of the eyeball is too weak A family history Symptoms of Hyperopia Symptoms of hyperopia may include: Eye strain Headaches when reading Vision that is blurry when looking at close objects Strabismus symptoms in children Pain [drpmcgann.com]

• Surgical Procedure

  To learn more about these vision correction surgical treatments for farsightedness, please clink on the links below: Surgical Procedures to Reduce Hyperopia (Farsightedness) LASIK PRK LASEK Other Laser Vision Surgery Procedures LASEK EpiLasik Lens Implants [trustedlasiksurgeons.com]

  Abstract The broad acceptance of "spot scanning" or "flying spot" excimer lasers in the last decade has enabled the domination of corneal ablative laser surgery over other refractive surgical procedures for the correction of hyperopia, hyperopic and mixed [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  It can be corrected by using converging spectacle lenses or contact lenses to move the image back to the retina or through the surgical procedure known as LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis). [daviddarling.info]

  • Laser eye surgery: A surgical procedure where vision is corrected by removing a small part of the eye with a laser. [visionwellnesscenter.com]

  Surgical options for the correction of myopia include vision correction procedures such as refractive and laser surgery. [drpmcgann.com]

• Flushing

  In rare cases, the dilating eyedrops cause: An attack of narrow-angle glaucoma Dizziness Dryness of the mouth Flushing Nausea and vomiting Atebara NH, Miller D, Thall EH. Ophthalmic instruments. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 5th ed. [nlm.nih.gov]

• Blurred Vision

  People with this condition often visit their eye care professional with complaints of visual discomfort or blurred vision. Treatment How is hyperopia corrected? Hyperopia can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery. [web.archive.org]

  These findings were responsible for the blurred vision that was reversed by chalazion resolution or removal. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  So when one has to focus at near this will typically cause eye strain, blurred vision, headaches and possible double vision. The image may still be clear however, the eye has to work overtime to make the vision good. [visiononesource.com]

  A farsighted person sees faraway objects clearly, while objects that are near are blurred. Updated by: Franklin W. Lusby, MD, ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, CA. [nlm.nih.gov]

• Visual Impairment

  Myopia Myopia is a common form of mild visual impairment, often called nearsightedness because people with myopia can focus well on near objects but faraway objects appear blurry. [isle.hanover.edu]

  Structured Abstract Background: Impaired visual acuity is common in preschool-aged children. [web.archive.org]

  […] focusing problems correctable by prescription lenses -- is responsible for moderate to severe vision impairment in 101 ... read more May 19, 2016 — The number of people with visual impairment or blindness in the United States is expected to double to [sciencedaily.com]

• Visual Impairment

  Myopia Myopia is a common form of mild visual impairment, often called nearsightedness because people with myopia can focus well on near objects but faraway objects appear blurry. [isle.hanover.edu]

  Structured Abstract Background: Impaired visual acuity is common in preschool-aged children. [web.archive.org]

  […] focusing problems correctable by prescription lenses -- is responsible for moderate to severe vision impairment in 101 ... read more May 19, 2016 — The number of people with visual impairment or blindness in the United States is expected to double to [sciencedaily.com]

• Eye Pain

  If you have been diagnosed with farsightedness or suspect you may have farsightedness and you suddenly develop severe eye pain, eye redness, or decreased vision you should see your eye doctor immediately. Katz M, Kruger PB. [web.archive.org]

  See a provider right away if you think you have farsightedness and you suddenly develop the following symptoms: Severe eye pain Eye redness Decreased vision Diniz D, Irochima F, Schor P. Optics of the human eye. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. [nlm.nih.gov]

  Reading in particular can cause asthenopic symptoms such as eye pain or headache, burning sensation in the eyes, blepharoconjunctivitis, blurred vision, and rapid fatigue. Esotropia can also occur, as was mentioned above. [alpfmedical.info]

  If you have ongoing eye problems, like glaucoma, follow your doctor’s treatment plan. See your doctor if you develop changes in vision or if you have eye pain, red eyes, or a discharge from your eyes. [healthline.com]

• Headache

  Uncorrected myopia can also cause headaches or eyestrain. If you already wear glasses or contacts and experience headaches or eyestrain, or find yourself squinting, it may be time for a new optical prescription. [mastereyeassociates.com]

  Headache and eye strain: The unconscious desire to focus on the blurry objects may lead to eye strain and headache especially in cases of chronically uncorrected hyperopia. [symptoma.com]

  This may result in blurry near objects or headaches during near work. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

  Symptoms of more severe farsightedness may include: Headaches. Eyestrain. Difficulty concentrating or focusing on nearby objects. Fatigue or headache after performing a close task such as reading. [my.clevelandclinic.org]

• Confusion

  Hyperopia is often confused with presbyopia, another condition that frequently causes blurry near vision. [codetvision.com]

  Many people confuse Farsightedness with Presbyopia. Surgical Procedures to Reduce Farsightedness (Hyperopia) Mild and Moderate Cases of Farsightedness (+2 Diopters to +5 Diopters). [trustedlasiksurgeons.com]

  Hyperopia is commonly confused with presbyopia, which is an age-related change to your vision. [virginiaeyeconsultants.com]

  Headaches Eye Strain Fatigue especially doing sustained near work Inwards eye turn (especially in young children) People often confuse hyperopia with presbyopia, which also causes near vision trouble but for reasons related to the normal aging process [totaleyecare.co.nz]

• Dizziness

  In rare cases, the dilating eyedrops cause: An attack of narrow-angle glaucoma Dizziness Dryness of the mouth Flushing Nausea and vomiting Atebara NH, Miller D, Thall EH. Ophthalmic instruments. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 5th ed. [nlm.nih.gov]

Hyperopia is easily diagnosed with a simple eye examination. Other instrumentation like funduscopy (direct examination of the retina) or slit lamp examination may be used to demonstrate any defect in the eye’s anatomy.

The conservative treatment of hyperopia includes the prescription of graded lenses (glasses) and the use of contact lenses. The early use of corrective glasses and contact lenses in the treatment of hyperopia in children reduces the temporal risk for advanced age myopia [6]. 

For corneal imperfections, refractive surgery may be applied to correct vision. These are the most common refractive surgical procedures done in hyperopia correction: Laser assisted in situ Keratomileusis or LASIK [6], Laser assisted subepithelial keratectomy or LASEK, Photorefractive Keratectomy or PRK [7], Conductive Keratoplasty or CK.

Congenital or acquired hyperopia may easily be addressed with proper prescription lenses or corrective ophthalmologic surgery. In some cases, mild hyperopia may resolve spontaneously. Mortality with hyperopia rarely occurs but are usually related to driving accidents or industrial accidents in heavy equipment due to an impaired visual acuity.

Complications

Hyperopia is commonly associated with the following complications:

• Reduction in the quality of life: Daily chores and activities are adversely affected with a hyperopic visual impairment. Children and adults with farsightedness may experience learning problems in school [4].
• Headache and eye strain: The unconscious desire to focus on the blurry objects may lead to eye strain and headache especially in cases of chronically uncorrected hyperopia.
• Strabismus or squinting in children with farsightedness may often succumb to this complication which are easily addressed with a corrective prescription glasses [5].
• Impaired safety: Hyperopia can adversely affect driving skills and reduce one’s capacity to safely operate industrial heavy equipment. This impairment heightens the risk for accidents.

In the normal eye, there are two distinct parts that focuses the image – the cornea and the lens. They both have a soft curvature that refracts (bends) the image and focuses it to the retina.

Any imperfections in natural curvature of the cornea and the lens disrupts the focus off the cornea. While the eyeball is too short, images sent through the normal cornea and lens are focused at the back of the retina giving a blurry object in our vision.

There are no definite data as to the exact number of hyperopic individuals are in the population. Ophthalmologic data in the US suggest that there are millions of people suffering from hyperopia.

Approximately half of those wearing glasses and contact lenses suffer from farsightedness. Studies have shown that hyperopia is the most common refractive error in both Asian and Non-Hispanic white children [1].

Presbyopia or the natural tendency of the eye to be hyperopic with increasing age may occur in the great majority of the population. Presbyopia is oftentimes confused with primary hyperopia in clinical practice because of it close similarities [2].

These findings in EDI-OCT measurements may play a role in developing population nomograms, as a correcting parameter and in understanding the pathophysiology of certain diseases in short eyes. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Pathophysiology: In farsighted patients, the virtual far point of the eye lies posterior to the retina (Fig. 16.10b). Only convergent incident light rays can be focused on the retina (Fig. 16.10b). [alpfmedical.info]

In general, congenital and acquired hyperopia may not be preventable. The following tips of prevention may however protect your eyes and your vision:

• Regular eye check-up with an ophthalmologist.
• Shield your eyes from the sun. The wearing of shades and sunglasses significantly protects your eyes from the ultraviolet light from the sun which can damage your eyes.
• Control of chronic illnesses. Patients with long standing diabetes mellitus and hypertension may lead to complications that may impair vision if left untreated
• Eye vigilance is important. Patient should pay particular attention to any acute visual disturbances like blurring of vision, flashing of light, black spots, perception of halos in the vision. These innocent signs may herald an impending serious eye disorder or a neurologic event.
• Refrain from smoking. Nicotine can damage almost all kind of cells in the body including your eyes. Smoking pregnant mothers has been demonstrated to increase the incidence of hyperopia in the unborn child as depicted in a large cohort study [8].
• Consume healthy foods: The regular consumption of fruits and vegetables with high vitamin content and antioxidants may prevent the emergence of macular degeneration that affects vision and the retina.
• The use of proper prescription glasses is very important to ensure that the defect is corrected properly. 
• Better lighting at home and in work can provide good lighting contrast for the eyes and keep them healthy.

Hyperopia or more commonly known as “farsightedness” is a clinical condition characterized by the difficulty in focusing in nearby object which gradually improves when the object in focus is brought to a nearer distance.

Clinically, hyperopia occurs when the eyeball’s diameter is shorter than normal, or the corneal curvature is defective enough to impair normal focusing. Farsightedness is believed to be hereditary in nature or may be influenced by environmental factors. A number of hyperopic individuals may actually be born with the condition. Hyperopia may easily be correctable with use of spectacle glasses or eye surgery.

Patients must understand that farsightedness or hyperopia is very common. Any changes in the quality of vision or any detraction on your everyday enjoyment must be brought promptly for medical or ophthalmologic evaluation.

Adults reaching the age of 40 must submit for a baseline eye examination and a regular eye check-up every two to four years before the age of 55. Frequency of visits may be adjusted yearly beyond the age of 60 years. However, those with prescription glasses and contact lenses must visit their doctors annually. Children and adolescents who are at risk should be regularly screened by their pediatricians [9].

1. Wen G, Tarczy-Hornoch K, McKean-Cowdin R, Cotter SA, Borchert M, Lin J, Kim J, Varma R. Prevalence of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism in non-Hispanic white and Asian children: multi-ethnic pediatric eye disease study. Ophthalmology. 2013; 120(10):2109-16 
2. Sundin OH, Leppert GS, Silva ED, Yang JM, Dharmaraj S, Maumenee IH, Santos LC, Parsa CF, Traboulsi EI. Extreme hyperopia is the result of null mutations in MFRP, which encodes a Frizzled-related protein. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2005; 102(27):9553-8 
3. Krause HK. Pitfalls in the prescription of reading glasses. Ophthalmologe. 2011; 108(4):324-30
4. Donnelly AB, Agius RM. The Distance Learning Courses in Occupational Medicine--20 years and onwards. Occup Med (Lond). 2005; 55(4):319-23 
5. Monaco A, Spadaro A, Sgolastra F, Petrucci A, D'Andrea PD, Gatto R. Prevalence of hyperopia and strabismus in a paediatric population with malocclusions. Eur J Paediatr Dent. 2011; 12(4):272-4 (ISSN: 1591-996X)
6. Sankaridurg P, Holden B, Smith E, Naduvilath T, Chen X, de la Jara PL, Martinez A, Kwan J, Ho A, Frick K, Ge J. Decrease in rate of myopia progression with a contact lens designed to reduce relative peripheral hyperopia: one-year results. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2011; 52(13):9362-7 (ISSN: 1552-5783)
7. Waring GO 3rd. Development of a system for excimer laser corneal surgery. Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc. 1989; 87: 854-983.
8. Dausch D, Klein R, Schroder E. Excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy for hyperopia. Refract Corneal Surg. Jan-Feb 1993; 9(1):20-8.
9. Borchert MS, Varma R, Cotter SA, Tarczy-Hornoch K, McKean-Cowdin R, et al. Risk factors for hyperopia and myopia in preschool children the multi-ethnic pediatric eye disease and Baltimore pediatric eye disease studies. Ophthalmology. 2011; 118(10):1966-73 
10. Latorre-Arteaga S, Gil-González D, Enciso O, Phelan A, García-Muñoz A, Kohler J. Reducing visual deficits caused by refractive errors in school and preschool children: results of a pilot school program in the Andean region of Apurimac, Peru.Glob Health Action. 2014; 7:22656