Eye Health Resources

Choosing the right glasses for hyperopia (farsightedness)

Choosing the right glasses for farsightedness doesn’t have to be complicated. Learn about lens options and other tips to ensure clear, comfortable vision every day.

Overview of hyperopia (farsightedness)

Hyperopia (farsightedness) is a vision condition that makes distant objects appear more clear than those that are close. This happens when the eye’s shape causes light to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it. It can occur if the eyeball is shorter than usual, the cornea is less curved than normal, or the lens is thinner than normal. Common symptoms include eye strain, headaches, and trouble focusing on nearby objects.

Farsightedness is diagnosed by an eye doctor through a comprehensive eye exam. The most common treatment for hyperopia is prescription glasses—contact lenses may also be an option, as well as refractive surgery like LASIK for some people.

More about Hyperopia

Glasses for farsightedness

The lenses in glasses for farsightedness are convex, meaning they are thicker in the center and narrower toward the edges. These lenses work by bending the light that enters your eyes and helping focus it directly on the retina. This correction makes close-up objects appear sharper and clearer.

Scheduling yearly eye exams is essential so your eye doctor can check if your prescription needs updating. If your hyperopia changes, outdated glasses may not provide the clear vision you need.

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Options for glasses

When choosing glasses, you’ll notice that there are several options for lens, including materials and coatings. These extra choices aren’t just about appearance—they can make a real difference in comfort, durability, and how well your glasses work for your lifestyle.

Lens types

Single Vision Lenses: These are designed to correct vision at one distance—either near or far. If you only need help with close-up tasks, like reading or using a computer, single vision lenses are a great option.
Bifocal/Progressive Lenses: These help with both near and far vision in one pair of glasses. The top part of the lens helps you see things far away, while the bottom part helps with close-up tasks, like reading.

Lens materials

Plastic (CR-39): Lightweight and affordable option for people with mild to moderate prescriptions. However, plastic lenses can be a bit thicker than other materials for higher prescriptions.
Polycarbonate: Durable option that is impact-resistant, making them a good choice for people with active lifestyles, especially children.
High-Index: Thinner and lighter lenses that are great for those with higher prescriptions who want to avoid the bulk of thicker lenses.

Lens coating

Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating: Reduces reflections on the lens from glaring bright lights or screens, helping prevent unwanted eye strain.
Scratch-Resistant Coating: Helps protect your lenses from everyday wear and tear, like when you accidentally drop them or forget to put them in a case. They help prolong the life of your lenses and prevent distracting scratches.

Other Add-ons

Blue Light Filter: If you spend a lot of time in front of a computer, tablet, or phone, blue light filtering lenses may be recommended by your optician.
UV Protection: Just like sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays, some lenses offer UV protection to keep your eyes safe from the sun’s rays.

More options for correcting farsightedness

While glasses are one choice for correcting farsightedness, there are other options available that might better suit your lifestyle or vision goals.

Contact lenses

$An eye doctor using a phoropter to measure refractive errors$

Contact lenses are thin lenses that are placed on top of the cornea (the clear outer layer of the eye). Like glasses, contact lenses correct farsightedness by refocusing light on the retina in the back of your eye to make close-up objects appear clearer. About 45 million Americans wear contact lenses. When used correctly, they’re a safe and effective alternative to glasses. If you have a refractive error like nearsightedness or farsightedness, the eye doctor can prescribe contact lenses to help you see more clearly.

Contact lenses are a great option for those who prefer a frameless look, enjoy sports or outdoor activities, or want a flexible alternative to glasses. Good hygiene is essential for keeping your eyes healthy with contacts, so establishing a regular care routine is key.

Learn About Contact Lenses for Farsightedness

Laser eye surgery

Laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea to help light focus correctly on the retina, often reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.

The two most common laser treatments for farsightedness are LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy). LASIK is a quick-recovery procedure that reshapes the cornea—its relatively short recovery time makes it particularly appealing. In contrast, PRK works similarly but doesn’t create a flap in the cornea, making it a better option for those with thin corneas.

Laser eye surgery can be a good choice for adults over 21 who have stable vision and are seeking a long-term solution. However, it's important to talk to your eye doctor to find out if you're a good candidate for laser eye surgery. They can help determine if this option is right for you based on your specific eye condition and prescription.

Learn About Laser Eye Surgery for Farsightedness

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How do convex glasses change your vision?

The use of convex lenses in glasses bends the light correctly, redirecting incoming light rays to focus properly on the retina. This correction makes close-up objects appear sharper and clearer.

Do convex lenses make things look bigger?

A convex lens makes objects look larger and farther away, which helps correct farsightedness.

Why do some people's eyes look bigger with glasses?

Glasses that correct hyperopia have more magnifying lenses to improve your close-distance vision, and these make your eyes appear larger.

What is the difference between convex and concave lenses for glasses?

A concave lens is thinner in the middle and thicker at the edges. A convex lens is thicker in the middle and thinner at the edges.

What is hyperopia?

Hyperopia is when the eye’s shape causes light to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it. This makes close-up objects appear blurry while distant ones appear clear.

Is hyperopia hereditary?

Yes, farsightedness can run in families. If you or your partner is farsighted, there is an increased chance that your child will also be farsighted.

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Footnotes

Consult your eye care professional for more information. Johnson & Johnson does not provide medical advice; this information is for educational purposes only.

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