Pharmacy Clinical Pearl of the Day: Farsightedness

Farsightedness usually is present at birth and tends to run in families.

Clinical Pearl of the Day: Farsightedness

Farsightedness (hyperopia) is a common vision condition in which you can see distant objects clearly, but objects nearby may be blurry.

Insight:

  • The degree of farsightedness influences focusing ability.
  • People with severe farsightedness may be able to clearly see only objects a great distance away, whereas those with mild farsightedness may be able to clearly see objects that are closer.
  • Farsightedness usually is present at birth and tends to run in families.
  • Symptoms may include nearby objects appearing blurry, needing to squint to see clearly, having eyestrain, burning eyes, and eye discomfort.
  • Treatment: You can easily correct this condition with eyeglasses or contact lenses. Another treatment option is surgery.
  • Surgery: Refractive surgery methods may include Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK), and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

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