Farsightedness treatment options range from eyeglasses and contact lenses to refractive surgery for some adults, depending on your prescription and your eye health. Farsightedness, also called hyperopia, happens when light focuses behind the retina instead of directly on it, which can make close-up tasks feel harder than they should.
The right plan starts with a comprehensive eye exam, because near blur can overlap with other issues such as presbyopia, dry eye, or early lens changes. Once you know what is driving your symptoms, your options become much clearer.
What is Farsightedness (hyperopia)
Some people describe it as “my arms are too short,” while others notice fatigue, squinting, or headaches after screen time. Mild farsightedness may not feel obvious at first, which is why routine exams are so helpful.
Hyperopia vs Presbyopia vs Astigmatism
These three get mixed up a lot, and they can also occur together.
- Hyperopia (farsightedness): an eye shape focusing issue that can blur near vision, and sometimes distance vision in higher prescriptions.
- Presbyopia: an age-related focusing change, usually starting in the 40s, when the natural lens becomes less flexible for near work.
- Astigmatism: an uneven curve of the cornea or lens that can distort vision at any distance.
A comprehensive eye exam can separate what is happening and help you choose the most comfortable correction for your daily routine.
Signs and Symptoms of Farsightedness
- Blurry near vision, especially when reading small print
- Headaches after close work
- Eye strain, burning, or tired eyes
- Squinting to sharpen focus
- Discomfort after screens or detailed tasks
If your vision quality is affecting your reading, work, or driving comfort, it is worth getting checked.
Why farsightedness can feel worse at the end of the day
Your focusing system works harder when you are farsighted, especially for near tasks. Add long screen time, fatigue, and dry indoor air, and symptoms can flare, even if your prescription is not “that high.” Many people assume the issue is just aging or stress, but an updated prescription or a better lens design can make a noticeable difference.
What Causes Farsightedness?
Farsightedness commonly relates to eye shape. If the eye is shorter front-to-back or the cornea or lens does not bend light enough, the focal point lands behind the retina instead of on it.
Farsightedness often runs in families, and many people are born with it.
How Farsightedness is Diagnosed
- Measuring your distance and near vision
- Refraction to find the prescription that gives you the clearest, most comfortable focus
- A full eye health evaluation to look for other causes of blur
- Dilation or imaging when appropriate to evaluate retinal health
The goal is not just “stronger glasses.” It matches your correction to how you actually live: reading, screens, driving, hobbies, and switching between distances.
Understanding your Prescription
If you have hyperopia, your prescription often includes a plus power (for example, +1.50). That, plus power, helps shift focus forward onto the retina so near tasks feel easier. Your prescription may also include astigmatism correction, and if you are in your 40s and beyond, you may need a near boost for presbyopia as well. Getting the right combination is what makes vision feel effortless again.
Farsightedness Treatment Options at M&M Eye Institute
Farsightedness treatment options should fit your day, not force you to work around your vision. The best choice depends on your prescription, your comfort needs, and whether you want glasses-only convenience or more freedom.
Eyeglasses
Lens choices can be tailored to your routine:
- Single-vision lenses for one main distance (near or distance)
- Progressive lenses for all-day use, with distance, intermediate, and near zones
- Occupational or computer lenses for long screen sessions
If progressives feel uncomfortable, the issue is often lens design, measurements, or frame fit, not just the prescription.
Contact lenses
Contact lenses can correct farsightedness by changing how light bends as it enters the eye. They can be a great fit for active lifestyles and for people who want a wider field of view than glasses.
If you also have astigmatism, toric lens options may help. If contacts feel dry or inconsistent, your doctor may recommend a different lens material, a different wearing schedule, or treating the ocular surface first.
LASIK for Hyperopia
At M&M Eye Institute in Prescott, Arizona, Dr. David Felsted performs LASIK, which is one of the most popular surgical solutions for farsightedness. During the procedure, a precise laser reshapes the cornea so light focuses properly on the retina. LASIK is typically recommended for adults with stable prescriptions and healthy corneas. Many of our patients achieve clearer vision quickly, often returning to normal activities within a day or two.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
PRK is similar to LASIK but does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, the corneal surface is gently removed before reshaping the underlying tissue with a laser. PRK may be recommended for patients with thinner corneas, dry eye concerns, or certain lifestyle factors. While recovery from LASIK takes slightly longer, the visual results can be equally effective.
PRK is often recommended for patients with hyperopia who have thinner corneas, dry eye concerns, or lifestyle factors that make flap-based surgery less ideal. Dr. Felsted and the team use advanced diagnostic imaging to ensure PRK is safe and tailored to your eyes.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)
For patients with higher degrees of hyperopia or those over age 40 experiencing presbyopia, refractive lens exchange can be an excellent option. This procedure replaces the eye’s natural lens with a clear artificial lens that corrects vision and can also reduce the need for reading glasses. RLE also prevents future cataracts since the natural lens is removed.
Farsightedness in Children and Why Early Exams Matter
Children can have farsightedness without realizing it. When farsightedness is higher, it can increase the risk of eye alignment problems, such as crossed eyes, and contribute to lazy eye.
If a child rubs their eyes often, avoids reading, complains of headaches, or struggles with close work, an eye exam can help clarify whether vision is part of the issue.
When to See an Eye Doctor
- Close-up vision is blurry or inconsistent
- You get headaches with reading or screens
- You squint or feel tired eyes after near work
- Your glasses feel “almost right,” but not comfortable
Seek urgent evaluation if you have sudden vision loss, flashes of light, a curtain-like shadow, or significant eye pain.
See Your Farsightedness Options Clearly
If close-up vision is getting harder, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with M & M Eye Institute so we can confirm what is driving your blur, review farsightedness treatment options that match your routine, and help you feel comfortable with reading, screens, and daily life again.
FAQ: Farsightedness Treatment Options
What is hyperopia (farsightedness)?
Hyperopia is a refractive error that can make nearby objects appear blurry because light focuses behind the retina rather than on it.
Can farsightedness get worse over time?
Your prescription can change over time. Regular eye exams help ensure your lenses stay matched to your needs.
Why do I get headaches when I read?
Eye strain and headaches are common with farsightedness, especially during close work such as reading or computer use.
Do I need glasses all the time if I am farsighted?
Not always. Some people wear glasses only for near work, while others prefer all-day wear, depending on symptoms and prescription.
Are contact lenses a good option for farsightedness?
They can be. Contact lenses correct how light bends as it enters the eye, and many people find them convenient for work, sports, and daily life.
Can LASIK fix farsightedness?
Some adults may be candidates for refractive surgery, but candidacy depends on prescription, cornea measurements, and overall eye health.
Is farsightedness the same as presbyopia?
No. Both can affect near vision, but presbyopia is age-related lens stiffness, while hyperopia is related to how the eye focuses light due to its shape.
Does farsightedness in kids matter if they seem fine?
It can. Children with greater farsightedness may be at higher risk of crossed eyes or lazy eye, so early exams help catch issues before they affect development.