Treatments for Nearsightedness
November 16, 2015Foundation Fighting Blindness: 2015 Research Breakthroughs
February 16, 2016
A doctor discussing issues with a patient
At Laser Vision Correction Center of New Jersey, it’s important to us that patients in and around West Orange get the right treatment for their needs. This may involve custom laser vision correction surgery, or perhaps even a recommendation for corrective lenses.
A number of patients come to the practice experiencing issues with farsightedness. Let’s take a moment to consider what farsightedness is and the ways it can be treated.
About Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
Farsightedness is a condition in which is it is easier to see objects that are at a distance than objects that are nearby. For example, it is easier for a farsightedness person to see road signs that are down the street than to read a book or fine print.
Causes of Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
The primary cause of farsightedness has to do with the way that light passes through the eye en route to the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eyes. When a person is farsighted, light is focused at a point that is behind the retina rather than on the retina itself.
There are many surgical and non-surgical options for dealing with farsightedness.
Corrective Lenses for Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
The use of prescription glasses and prescription contact lenses is a tried and true way of addressing farsightedness and other kinds of refractive errors. You can learn more about lenses, frames, and different types of contact lenses during your eye exam.
LASIK Surgery for Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
LASIK surgery is one of the most popular and effective means of improving vision. During LASIK, a laser is used to reshape the cornea. This improves the way that light focuses on the eyes, helping bring the world into better focus.
The results of LASIK are comparable to prescription lenses, and in some cases the vision quality is better. The primary advantage of LASIK is that patients can see clearly and well without the need for glasses or any other sort of lenses.
LASIK Alternatives Ideal for Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
Some patients may have issues with cornea shape or thickness that make them poor candidates for LASIK surgery. In such cases, an alternative surgical option may be considered. This includes another refractive procedure such as PRK or LASEK. These surgeries operate on similar principles as LASIK and yield comparable results.
A Note on Presbyopia: Age-Related Farsightedness
One type of farsightedness known as presbyopia is part of the natural aging process. The hardening of the lens of the eye over time results in unavoidable farsightedness, typically beginning around middle age.
Presbyopia can be treated through surgical and non-surgical means. This could mean carrying to pairs of glasses (one for reading, the other for distance vision) or the the use of bifocals.
In terms of surgical treatment for presbyopia, LASIK can be performed. One eye will be corrected for near vision while the other eye goes untreated. This monovision method of LASIK can yield excellent results and allow patients to see great again without the need for corrective lenses.
Helping You Make the Best Decisions About Your Eyes
As you can see, there are plenty of options for treating farsightedness, and an eye care specialist can work with you to determine the right one for you and your needs. We will be sure to go over all risks and benefits so you get the ideal treatment for you and your needs.
Contact Laser Vision Correction Center of New Jersey
For more information about treating farsightedness and other kinds of refractive errors, be sure to contact our laser eye surgery and vision correction center today. The team at Laser Vision Correction Center of New Jersey looks forward to your visit and helping you have better, clearer eyesight.