How to correct long-sightedness

Long-sightedness is a common condition that can be treated easily. Also known as hypermetropia or hyperopia, the condition occurs when the eye doesn’t focus light properly, making it difficult for patients to view objects close-up.

Here we explain how to correct long-sightedness, exploring the option of glasses, contact lenses and surgery, helping you decide which treatment option is right for you.

Glasses

Glasses help to correct long-sightedness by changing the way the eye focuses light. In a long-sighted patient, light entering the eye falls behind the retina, instead of on the retina itself, resulting in blurry vision close-up (although long-sighted people with no other visual issues can often see well over long distances).

Following a routine eye examination, an eye prescription is made out by the optometrist. This can be used to make up glasses that are tailored to the patient’s particular requirements, with lenses that will correct the focus. The result is normal vision, when wearing the prescription spectacles.

Advantages of glasses:

• Suitable for all budgets.
• Can be an attractive fashion accessory.
• No risk of side-effects like dry eyes.

Disadvantages of glasses:

• Can be cumbersome or uncomfortable, and may not be suitable for sporty or active patients.
• They won’t correct peripheral vision.
• Can change appearance significantly.
• Can be lost or broken.

Contact lenses

Once diagnosed, a long-sighted patient can use their eye prescription to buy corrective contact lenses, which will correct long-sightedness in the same way as glasses.

Today, many different types of contact lenses are on the market, including disposable daily lenses, reusable contacts that last for up to a month, and even multifocal contact lenses.

Advantages of contact lenses:

• A natural look – people won’t know you’re wearing them.
• Good peripheral vision, because the lens covers your entire eye.
• Wearing contacts allows you to play sport and swim without distraction.

Disadvantages of contact lenses:

• Can cause dry eyes.
• Risk of infection if not handled hygienically.
• Can be lost easily.
• Can be an expensive option in the long-term.
• Many people dislike putting in and taking out contact lenses each day.

Surgery

If you are considering how to correct long-sightedness, surgery could be a viable option for you. Laser eye surgery and Clear Lens Extraction are both permanent treatment options – so once you have undergone surgery, you won’t need any further intervention to help your vision.

Laser eye surgery for hypermetropia

Laser eye surgery is a quick and low-risk procedure that can be completed in less than an hour. It works by using an ultra-precise laser to alter the shape of the cornea, restoring its functionality so that it can once again focus light onto retina in the correct way. There are several different types of laser eye surgery available, and your surgeon will discuss the options with you.

Clear Lens Extraction

Advantages of surgery:

• A permanent solution – corrects long-sightedness for good.
• Uses the latest high precision technology.
• Quick and low-risk.
• Can be more cost-effective over time than contact lenses or glasses.

Disadvantages of surgery:

• Not suitable for all patients, e.g. those under 18.
• Small risk of side-effects.