Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a common refractive error that causes the eye to bend or refract light improperly, making it difficult to focus on nearby images. Distant objects look clear, but close objects may appear blurred. About 5 to 10% of Americans have farsightedness. In addition to blurry vision, patients may notice squinting and headaches. Treatments include eyeglasses, contact lenses or LASIK surgery.
Farsightedness can be caused by eyeballs that are too short or too flat. Many children are farsighted but outgrow the condition. Farsightedness also becomes more common as people age, with at least half of people over 65 experiencing farsightedness. It is also hereditary.
In addition to vision trouble, patients may experience headaches, squinting, blurry vision, difficult reading, and pain in the eye.
A comprehensive dilated eye exam will be conducted. If eye chart results indicate farsightedness, your ophthalmologist will shine a retinoscope into your eyes to determine how light reflects off your retina. Testing may include a visual acuity test to examine vision at various distances, a refraction test to determine the correct prescription for glasses, and a slit-lamp exam to assess the structures of the eyes.
In younger patients, the eye can typically compensate for mild farsightedness. Prescription lenses and corrective surgery are the most common treatments for those who need improved eyesight. Glasses or contact lenses can be prescribed to counteract the lack of curve in the cornea or the smaller size of the eye. Refractive surgery is commonly used to treat nearsightedness, but can also be used to treat moderate farsightedness by reshaping the cornea. The most common surgeries are LASIK, LASEK, and PRK. Your ophthalmologist will discuss which procedure would work best for your case.
The Cizik Eye Clinic opened in 2007 and is housed in Memorial Hermann Plaza at 6400 Fannin Street. It includes dozens of exam areas, multiple operating rooms, and laser suites equipped with the most sophisticated equipment available for patient care.
People travel from across the country and the world for treatment at the Cizik Eye Clinic, in part because our affiliation with the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth provides unmatched resources and expertise. Our friendly staff works diligently to make your visit pleasant and efficient, as we maximize patient flow through everything from routine eye exams to the most advanced eye surgeries.
Our physicians are faculty members at McGovern Medical School and are board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology or are board eligible. At the Cizik Eye Clinic, we understand that the eye is a small part of a whole patient who deserves top-notch, comprehensive care in a cutting-edge facility.
At Robert Cizik Eye Clinic, we offer patients access to highly specialized eye and vision care. To ask us a question, schedule an appointment, or learn more about us, please call (713) 486-9400, or click below to send us a message. In the event of an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room.