Hypermetropia (Farsightedness)
Definition
Hypermetropia, or Hyperopia, is a refractive error where light rays focus behind the retina when
accommodation is at rest, leading to difficulty in near vision.
Causes of Hypermetropia
- Axial Hypermetropia: Eyeball is shorter than normal
- Curvatural Hypermetropia: Flatter cornea or lens
- Index Hypermetropia: Lower refractive index of lens (e.g., in old age)
- Aphakia: Absence of lens after cataract surgery
- Congenital Hypermetropia: Present from birth
Symptoms
- Blurred near vision
- Headache and eye strain during reading
- Watering or fatigue with near tasks
- Squint (esotropia) in children
- Blurred distance vision in high hypermetropia
Diagnosis
- Retinoscopy: Hyperopic reflex seen
- Cycloplegic refraction: Reveals latent hypermetropia
- Visual acuity test: Reduced near vision
- Fundus exam: Small disc, hyperemic appearance
Types of Hypermetropia
- Total Hypermetropia: Entire degree present
- Latent Hypermetropia: Compensated by ciliary tone
- Manifest Hypermetropia: Expressed part
- - Facultative: Can be overcome by accommodation
- - Absolute: Cannot be corrected by accommodation
Treatment
- Convex (+) lenses to bring focus on retina
- Spectacles for regular correction
- Contact lenses as an alternative
- Refractive surgery (LASIK, PRK) in suitable adults
- Cycloplegic refraction in children to detect hidden error
Importance in Children
If untreated, hypermetropia in children can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye) and convergent squint (esotropia).
Early detection and correction are essential for proper visual development.
