Quick Action Guide
📞 SCHEDULE EYE EXAM IF:
- • Child complains of blurry vision
- • Frequent eye strain or headaches
- • Squinting or rubbing eyes often
- • Lack of interest in reading or close work
- • Tiredness when reading or doing homework
✅ WHAT TO EXPECT:
- • Many kids have some farsightedness - it's normal
- • Often improves as children grow older
- • May need glasses or contact lenses
- • Regular follow-up visits are important
What Is Farsightedness?
Farsightedness (hyperopia) is a vision problem that makes it hard to see nearby objects clearly. In farsightedness, light that enters the eyes doesn't bend as it should. Instead of focusing directly on the retina, the light focuses behind the retina. Many kids are farsighted, and some amount of farsightedness can be normal depending on a child's age. Often, the condition gets better on its own as kids get older.
Signs & Symptoms
Common Symptoms
Kids with farsightedness may have:
- • Blurred vision
- • Eyestrain
- • Headaches
- • Tiredness
Behavioral Signs
Some kids also may:
- • Squint frequently
- • Rub their eyes a lot
- • Show a lack of interest in reading or close work
- • Avoid tasks requiring near vision
- • Hold books or objects very close or very far away
What Causes Farsightedness?
Farsightedness happens when light that enters the eyes doesn't bend as it should. Instead of focusing directly on the retina, the light focuses behind the retina. This can happen if:
- • The eyeball is too short from front to back
- • The cornea (front of the eye) is flatter than normal
- • The lens inside the eye has less focusing power than normal
Genetic Factor
Farsightedness can run in families. If parents are farsighted, their children are more likely to be farsighted as well.
How Is Farsightedness Diagnosed?
An eye doctor can tell you if your child is farsighted. They will do a routine exam that usually includes:
- • Asking about symptoms
- • Taking a family medical history
- • Examining the eyes
- • Doing vision tests
Vision Testing
The doctor will perform various tests including reading an eye chart, checking how well the eyes work together, measuring the refractive error, and checking for any other eye problems. This helps determine the exact prescription needed if glasses are required.
How Is Farsightedness Treated?
Natural Improvement
Many kids are farsighted. Some amount of farsightedness can be normal depending on a child's age. Often, the condition gets better on its own as kids get older and their eyes grow and develop.
Corrective Lenses
If farsightedness doesn't improve or causes problems, the eye doctor will prescribe:
- • Glasses: The most common treatment for children, providing clear vision and comfort
- • Contact lenses: May be an option for older kids who can handle the responsibility
Follow-up Care
Regular eye exams are important to monitor vision changes and ensure the prescription is still correct. Children's eyes change as they grow, so prescriptions may need to be updated.
How Can Parents Help?
Supporting Your Child
To help take care of your child's eyes:
- • Get eyeglasses (or contact lenses if recommended): Let your child help choose the frames. Plastic frames and polycarbonate lenses are best for young kids.
- • Help with contact lenses: If your child is old enough and the eye doctor thinks contacts are a good choice, help your child follow all instructions on wearing and cleaning them.
- • Go to follow-up visits: Keep all appointments with the eye doctor to ensure proper monitoring.
- • Call the doctor if needed: If your child has new symptoms, such as eye pain, headaches, crossed eyes, or changes in vision, contact the eye doctor right away.
Choosing Eyewear
When choosing glasses for your child, look for frames that are durable, fit well, and are comfortable. Let your child participate in choosing frames they like, as they'll be more likely to wear them consistently. Polycarbonate lenses are shatter-resistant and provide good protection for active children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will my child outgrow farsightedness?
A: Many children with mild to moderate farsightedness do see improvement as they grow older. The eyes naturally lengthen as children grow, which can reduce or eliminate farsightedness. However, some children may need continued correction with glasses.
Q: How often should my child have an eye exam?
A: Children should have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months, again at age 3, before starting school, and then annually or as recommended by the eye doctor. More frequent exams may be needed if vision changes or problems are detected.
Q: Can farsightedness cause learning problems?
A: Yes, uncorrected farsightedness can cause difficulty with reading, close work, and may lead to eye strain and fatigue. This can affect school performance. Early detection and correction are important to prevent learning difficulties.
Q: What's the difference between farsightedness and nearsightedness?
A: Farsightedness (hyperopia) makes it hard to see nearby objects clearly, while nearsightedness (myopia) makes it hard to see faraway objects clearly. Both are refractive errors but affect vision in opposite ways.
Q: Can exercise or eye exercises fix farsightedness?
A: No, exercise or eye exercises cannot fix farsightedness. This is a structural issue with how light focuses in the eye. However, glasses or contact lenses can correct the vision, and some children may naturally outgrow mild farsightedness as their eyes grow.
Q: Should my child wear glasses all the time?
A: This depends on the severity of farsightedness and your eye doctor's recommendation. For significant farsightedness, glasses may need to be worn all the time. For mild cases, they might only be needed for reading or close work. Follow your eye doctor's specific guidance for your child.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
This article provides general information about farsightedness and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician or eye care provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. If you notice signs like frequent squinting, eye rubbing, headaches, or difficulty with reading and close work, schedule an eye exam. Trust your parental instincts—early detection and treatment of vision problems can significantly impact your child's development and learning.