What is farsightedness?

 Hyperopia

Far sightedness means that ones best sight is at far. It is a lay man's term for hyperopia. Hyperopia describes an eye that is too short in length (sometimes people confuse hyperopia with presbyopia, which also causes near vision problems but for different reasons). That means that the focal length lies behind the eye. People with hyperopia might squint to see nearby objects. This is especially true for an object that is close, like a book, a computer, or a cell phone. In that case the eye must focus harder with the crystalline lens in order to see clearly. This increased effort can cause fatigue, headaches , and eye strain. 

Seeing comfortably

What can be confusing about hyperopia is one would pass a vision screening with an eye chart and even report that they're able to see a book clearly. Yet, they definitely benefit from reading glasses. In this case the glasses are more about seeing comfortably than clearly. This is one reason that yearly eye exams are recommended starting at school age. Most of our learning is visual and reading glasses can make a huge difference in that person's life. 

Treatment options

Treatment options include eyeglasses, contact lenses, and surgery such as LASIK. 

Don't forget a yearly eye exam for you and your family. (909) 596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750 (909) 982-0100  1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784 www.drboyeroptometrist.com

Why does Grampa need reading glasses?

A normal aging change that affects everyone is presbyopia. Presbyopia means old eyes. It is the loss of focusing of the crystalline lens in the eye. Sometimes confused with far sightedness or hyperopia it is something different. With hyperopia the eye works harder to focus a near object but it is able to focus. With presbyopia the eye is unable to focus. That's why Grampa needs reading glasses. Presbyopia typically begins around 40 and gradually gets worse as you approach your fifties. It usually levels off around 60. It can be corrected with glasses. Traditionally bifocals or reading glasses were used. Now there are other options. Today most people use progressive addition glasses or PAL's. PAL's have no lines. They look like regular glasses. PAL's have gotten quite sophisticated and work well for all vision tasks. Multifocal contact lenses are also available. Mono vision contacts or LASIK is an option. Presbyopia is another reason to get a regular eye exam. When you get your eyes checked ask your eye doctor about the the new options available for old eyes that keep you looking younger.

Call or go online to schedule a evaluation and eye exam

Dr Boyer Optometrist 

When should I have my child's eyes examined?

This is an important question that needs to be explained. A simple answer to your question is really anytime. We even examine infants' eyes here at the office. If there's a history of strabismus (eye turn), high astigmatism, myopia, or hyperopia we will often do an eye exam around 2 to 3 years of age.

More routine exams should start around 4 to 5 years of age. Sometimes parents may confuse a visual acuity screening with an eye exam. This is where the child will be asked to read the letters on a chart at the doctors office or at a school screening. This is not an eye exam!  While this is useful and good it primarily picks up myopia. About 1 in 3 cases that need glasses will be missed. These missed cases include things like astigmatism or hyperopia. These are problems that can definitely affect your child's performance at school.

I think an easy rule of thumb to remember is, if your child is old enough to go to school they should get an eye exam every year. If there's a history of unusual eye problems in the family bring your child in sooner.

Take advantage of summer break--get your child's eyes checked so they can start the new school year with perfect vision at Drboyeroptometrist.com