Question 1

Are hyperopia and presbyopia the same?

Accepted Answer

No. Though they both make it difficult to see objects close-up, they are two completely different types of refractive error. Hyperopia occurs as a result of the eye being too short, or issues with the lens or cornea of the eye. It causes images to be blurry close-up, while objects further away remain in focus. By contrast, presbyopia occurs when the lens of the eye begins to calcify, making it harder and less flexible. This causes vision issues at all distances, as the lens has a hard time accommodating from distance to near vision and back again.

Question 2

What kinds of lenses help treat hyperopia?

Accepted Answer

In order to move light forward in the eye so that it focuses properly on the retina, lenses for farsightedness are convex. This means the lens curves outward, and the prescription is expressed in positive numbers. For example, a lens for minor hyperopia might be written as +0.50, whereas more extreme hyperopia might be +6.00. You may also consider high-index aspheric lenses, which are thinner and lighter than traditional lenses for farsightedness, and reduce the “bug-eyed” look that can sometimes be caused by higher prescriptions.

Pediatric

Dr. Walter Shurminsky O.D.