---
title: "Long-sightedness (hyperopia) | Eye Health Guide"
description: "Why near objects look blurred, what causes long-sightedness, how it differs from presbyopia, and how it is corrected. Clinically reviewed."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/conditions/long-sightedness/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Condition

# Long-sightedness (hyperopia)

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

Long-sightedness (hyperopia) is a common condition where near objects look blurred while distant objects are usually clearer. It is a focusing problem related to the shape of the eye, not a disease, and is corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or laser surgery.

### On this page ⌄

1. Your next step
2. What it is
3. Common symptoms
4. Causes and risk factors
5. Treatment
6. Related conditions
7. Related symptoms
8. Treatments & Surgery
9. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

Long-sightedness happens when the eye focuses light behind the retina instead of on it, usually because the eyeball is slightly too short or the cornea is too flat. This makes near vision blurred, and with stronger long-sightedness distance vision can blur too.

## Common symptoms

Younger eyes can sometimes compensate, so symptoms may be subtle at first.

- Blurred vision when looking at close objects
- Eye strain or aching eyes after reading
- Headaches after close work
- Tired eyes or squinting to focus

## Causes and risk factors

Long-sightedness is usually due to the natural shape and length of the eye and often runs in families. It can be present from a young age, unlike presbyopia, which is the separate age-related loss of near focus.

## Treatment

Glasses or contact lenses correct the focus so near objects look clear. Laser or lens-based refractive surgery is an option for suitable adults. Regular eye tests keep your correction up to date.

## Related conditions

## Related symptoms

## Treatments & Surgery

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the difference between long-sightedness and presbyopia?

Long-sightedness (hyperopia) is a focusing error from the shape of the eye and can occur at any age. Presbyopia is the separate, age-related stiffening of the lens that affects near vision from the mid-40s.

### Can long-sightedness be cured?

It is corrected rather than cured. Glasses and contact lenses give clear vision, and laser surgery can be an option for suitable adults.

### Can children be long-sighted?

Yes. Many children are mildly long-sighted and their eyes compensate, but an eye test can pick up cases that need glasses, especially if there is eye strain or a squint.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [National Eye Institute - Farsightedness (Hyperopia)](https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/farsightedness-hyperopia)