Hyperopia in children
Hyperopia (farsightedness) is common in children but can be hard to detect. Learn about the signs to look out for and the treatment options to help set your child up for success.
What is hyperopia?
Hyperopia (farsightedness) is a vision condition in which the shape of the eye causes light entering it to focus behind the retina rather than directly on it, making distant objects appear more clearly than those nearby.
It can be caused when:
- The eyeball is shorter than normal
- The cornea is less curved than normal
- The lens is thinner than normal
Hyperopia in children
In adults, hyperopia makes close-up objects and images appear blurry while distance vision remains clear. However, children rarely notice blurry vision because their eyes work hard to adjust and bring things into focus, making objects appear clearer. This clear vision, however, comes at the cost of comfort, as it can lead to symptoms like headache and eye fatigue. Many children are born with mild hyperopia, which can get better on its own as they age and their eyes grow.
Up to 14% of school-age students have hyperopia
For some children, hyperopia may not need to be corrected, but for others, symptoms can affect their school performance and learning development. Hyperopia isn’t preventable, but with regular eye exams it can be diagnosed early, helping to prevent learning and developmental vision issues.
Correction options
Hyperopia in children can be corrected with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, depending on their age. Laser surgery is usually not recommended until young adulthood when the eye has stopped growing. Many children with mild to moderate degree of hyperopia may not even need treatment because the condition tends to decrease as their eyes grow and develop.
ACUVUE® Contact Lenses for hyperopia
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Frequently asked questions
Consult your eye care professional for more information. J&J does not provide medical advice; this information is for educational purposes only.
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Important Information for Contact Lens Wearers: ACUVUE® Contact Lenses are available by prescription only for vision correction. An eye care professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and replacement schedule and the lens care instructions provided by your eye doctor. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. If one of these conditions occurs, remove the lens and contact your eye doctor immediately. For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your eye care professional and ask for a Patient Instruction Guide, call 1-800-843-2020, or download the Patient Instruction Guides.
