What is Hypermetropia which lens can be used to Correct Hypermetropia?

Hypermetropia (also called hyperopia or far-sightedness) is a common refractive error of the eye in which distant objects are seen clearly, but nearby objects appear blurry. This occurs because, in hypermetropia, light entering the eye is focused behind the retina rather than on it, often due to the eyeball being too short or the cornea/lens having too little curvature.

Causes and Features

• Primary causes include a short eyeball (axial length too short), a cornea or lens that is flatter than normal, or a lens with decreased refractive power.
• Symptoms may include blurred vision for close-up objects, eye strain, headaches, and, in children, inward turning of the eyes (esotropia).
• Diagnosis is made by an eye exam, often including refractive testing.

Correction

The main way to correct hypermetropia is by using plus-powered (convex) lenses. These are also called converging lenses because they bend light rays inward, helping them to focus correctly on the retina instead of behind it.

Convex lenses are the standard non-surgical correction for hypermetropia. Contact lenses with the same plus power are also available. Surgical options like LASIK can permanently reshape the cornea, eliminating the need for lenses in some cases.

Key Takeaway

• Hypermetropia = Far-sightedness, distant objects clear, near objects blurry.
• Corrected by = Convex (plus, converging) lenses in glasses or contact lenses, or by refractive surgery.
• Why this lens? The convex lens brings the focus point forward from behind the retina to directly on the retina, restoring clear vision for near objects.

If you suspect you have hypermetropia, an eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist is recommended for accurate diagnosis and treatment.