Hyperopia: Clearing Close Vision

If you have difficulty focusing on close or nearby objects, you may be suffering from hyperopia or farsightedness. Drs. Ravinder Sabherwal and Howard M. Levin can effectively treat hyperopia at their Erie, PA, practice with treatments such as traditional corrective lenses or the advanced FDA-approved NearVision CK® procedure. Patients can enjoy clear vision once more without straining their eyes. 

Understanding Hyperopia

Like myopia, hyperopia is a refractive error resulting from an irregularity in eye shape. But where myopia is caused by an elongation of the eye, farsightedness is caused by a foreshortening. In other words, the eye is longer vertically than it is horizontally. As a result, any light entering the eye is projected just beyond the retina, rather than directly onto it. This condition is distinct from presbyopia, which is an age-related form of farsightedness. 

Because the lens in our eyes can compensate for many refractive errors, you may not even realize you have hyperopia until later in life. However, some individuals may suffer from strained eyes after reading or writing. Furthermore, the lens will also lose its flexibility over time, prompting patients to seek out corrective treatment for their vision.

Graphic demonstrating difference in sight between a normal, hyperopic, and corrected eye.

Treatment Options for Hyperopia

Hyperopia is difficult to diagnose with only a visual acuity test. In order to determine if a patient has the condition, an ophthalmologist can perform a comprehensive eye exam, as well as test your eye with a Phoropter to determine the prescription that suits you best. 

In some cases, younger patients may not require vision correction treatment at all. Some of the more conservative treatments for hyperopia include corrective eyewear, such as contact lenses or glasses. A more involved but equally effective option is the NearVision CK radiofrequency procedure.

About NearVision CK

Conductive keratoplasty (CK) is a refractive eye surgery that eliminates mild hyperopia and reduces the need for reading glasses in patients with presbyopia. Unlike LASIK, NearVision CK gently reshapes the cornea with low energy radio waves instead of removing tissue with a laser. The radiofrequency energy is applied to specific points around the outer portion of the cornea, triggering shrinkage of the connective tissue inside. This tightens and steepens the cornea, improving the way light is focused once it enters the eye.

Candidates for NearVision CK are typically over the age of 40.

Candidates for NearVision CK are typically over the age of 40. It is an excellent treatment option for those who have optimal distance vision, but find themselves needing reading glasses. However, it is important to keep in mind that many patients develop a slight distance blur as a side effect of the procedure, although many find this an acceptable tradeoff for improved near vision. 

Following the procedure, patients may experience slight discomfort, although this typically diminishes within a day or two. But while it can take a few weeks for the final result to become evident. most patients notice virtually immediate improvement in their vision following treatment.

Schedule a Consultation

If you think you may have hyperopia, schedule a consultation with one of our doctors today. We can help you determine a personalized treatment plan that will meet your unique goals. Contact us online or call us at (814) 838-9555.

Contemporary Ophthalmology of Erie logo

Contemporary Ophthalmology of Erie

Drs. Howard M. Levin, Vincent M. Imbrogno, Ravinder Sabherwal, and Emily Washek provide state-of-the-art eye care in a friendly and comfortable setting. They are affiliated with leading vision organizations, including:

  • The American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
  • The American Osteopathic Association

To book a visit with us, call us at (814) 838-9555 or request an appointment online.

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