Long-sightedness (hyperopia)

5-minute read

Key facts

If you are long-sighted, close objects will look blurred.
Long-sightedness is also known as hyperopia.
It happens when the shape of your eyes makes them focus on the distance.
Hyperopia can become worse as you get older.
You can wear glasses to correct long-sightedness.

What is long-sightedness?

Long-sightedness (also known as hyperopia) is a very common eye problem. It can be hard to detect. If you are long-sighted close objects can appear blurry.

What causes long-sightedness?

The size and shape of your eye is the main cause of long-sightedness.

When light enters the eye, it's bent by the cornea, the clear layer on the front of the eye, and the lens. This process is known as refraction.

If you have normal vision, the rays of light are brought into focus on the retina, the layer at the back of the eye.

In most people, the size and shape of your eyes causes long sightedness. The light rays from close objects focus behind, rather than on, the retina when your eye is resting.

If you are slightly long-sighted, often the lens of your eye can automatically correct for the refractive error. Your eye muscles can adjust the focus to get a sharp image.

If you are more long-sighted, or do a lot of near-focus activities such as reading, you may need more adjustment. This means your eyes can get tired by the end of the day and they might get headaches.

As you age, the eye's lens becomes less flexible causing long-sightedness. This is why older people often need reading glasses.

You have a slightly higher chance of being long-sighted if either of your parents is long-sighted.

Illustration showing the differences between normal vision and long-sightedness. The image also shows the location of the focal point, lens, cornea, retina and sclera — Long-sightedness causes light to focus behind the retina when your eye is resting — so close objects appear blurred.

What are the symptoms of being long-sighted?

Mild long-sightedness can be hard to detect because the lens automatically corrects your focus to make close objects clear. But after periods of close work, you might find that you have:

strained or aching eyes
a headache
tiredness

It becomes harder for your focus to correct as you get older. This is due to the lens in your eye becoming stiffer.

How is long-sightedness diagnosed?

If you think that you or your child might be long-sighted, see your doctor or optometrist for an eye check.

An optometrist or ophthalmologist can measure how well your eye focuses as part of an eye test.

Standard vision screening tests might not detect long-sightedness, because your eyes may adjust automatically.

Treatment of long-sightedness

The most common treatment is glasses, especially for reading and other near work. Some people with long-sightedness also wear their glasses for distance. Your optometrist might recommend eye exercises.

Laser refraction surgery can correct long-sightedness. Ask your optometrist if it is suitable for you. Laser surgery is not recommended for children.

Mild long-sightedness, especially in young people, might not need any treatment. However, this may change as you get older.

Are there any complications of long-sightedness?

If your child has moderate to severe long-sightedness and it's not corrected with glasses, the extra focusing effort could mean that they are more likely to develop other eye problems. These include lazy eye (amblyopia) or turned eyes (also called a squint, or strabismus).

Even if you have no concerns about your vision, it's best to have your eyes checked every 2 years.

Resources and Support

If you are concerned about your vision, see your doctor or optometrist.

The Good vision for life website can help you understand and care for your eyes.

The Health Translations website has information on refractive error in languages other than English.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.