Long-sightedness, also known as hypermetropia or hyperopia, is a common eye condition that affects the ability of the eye to focus. In a long-sighted eye, the light focuses behind the retina, blurring the image. This makes it difficult to see nearby objects clearly, such as words and pictures in books or on screens, which may look fuzzy. Long-sightedness can affect people of all ages, but it often affects people over 40.

Some common symptoms of long-sightedness include finding it hard to see nearby things, being able to see things more clearly when you move them further away from your eyes, and experiencing tiredness or headaches after a lot of visual work. Children who are long-sighted may not experience these problems, but they may develop a squint, which is when one eye turns inwards towards their nose as they try to focus. This can lead to a lazy eye, so its important to take them to an optometrist without delay.

The exact causes of long-sightedness are not well understood, but it is known that the size and shape of the eye largely cause it. When light enters the eye, it is bent by the cornea, the clear layer on the front of the eye, and the lens. This process is known as refraction. People who are more long-sighted, or who do a lot of near-focus activities such as reading, need more adjustment. This means their eyes can get tired by the end of the day, and they might get headaches. Long-sightedness is often passed on from parents and cannot be prevented.

Long-sightedness can be corrected by glasses or contact lenses, which can usually correct your vision. Lens surgery is another option where the lens inside your eye is replaced with a plastic implant to correct your vision. Laser surgery may also be an option for some people. If left untreated, long-sightedness may cause other vision problems, and young children with severe long-sightedness are more likely to develop other eye problems, including a lazy eye or squint.