Farsightedness (Hyperopia): When To Call A Doctor

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When To Call a Doctor

If you have a sudden change, loss, or disturbance in your vision, pain in your eye, or yellow or greenish discharge from your eye, see the topic Eye Problems, Noninjury to evaluate your symptoms. You may need immediate care.

Call your doctor for a routine eye exam at recommended intervals throughout life (see Early Detection in the Exams and Tests section of this topic) or if:

• A child or teenager has symptoms of farsightedness (hyperopia) or any complaints of blurry vision.
• Existing farsightedness in an adult suddenly becomes worse.
• You have a change in your ability to tolerate your contact lenses (for example, you can no longer wear them for usual periods of time).

Watchful Waiting

Identifying and treating farsightedness early may prevent children from having trouble in school and in social settings. Farsightedness also increases the risk for crossed eyes (strabismus) in children. Proper glasses can correct this and prevent vision loss (amblyopia). If you think you or your child is farsighted, see an eye specialist.

Who To See

Health professionals who can perform screening exams to detect vision problems and refer you to an eye care provider include:

• Pediatricians.
• Family medicine doctors.
• Internists.
• Nurse practitioners.
• Physician assistants.

Eye care specialists who can diagnose eye problems, including refractive errors, and prescribe corrective lenses include:

• Ophthalmologists.
• Optometrists.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

Last updated:	November 23, 2007
Author:	Jeannette Curtis
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, FRCSC - Ophthalmology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC