Overview
Hypermetropia, or long-sightedness, is a common focusing problem in which near objects appear blurred while distant vision is usually clearer, because light focuses behind the retina. Young people can often compensate, so mild cases may cause only eye strain, but stronger degrees blur both near and far vision. In children it can occasionally lead to a squint or lazy eye if uncorrected. It is easily fixed with glasses or contact lenses, and a child's vision should be checked if there are signs of strain.
Symptoms
- Blurred vision for near tasks such as reading
- Eye strain, aching or tiredness with close work
- Headaches after reading or screen use
- Needing to hold reading material further away
- A squint or lazy eye in some children
When to see a doctor
See an eye doctor for blurred near vision, eye strain with reading, or if a child shows signs of a squint or difficulty focusing.
Causes
An eyeball that is slightly too short or a cornea that is too flat; it often runs in families and is present from an early age.