Guide To Managing Farsightedness

Farsightedness, also called hyperopia, is a condition of the vision where an individual cannot see nearby objects clearly. Often times, hyperopia runs in families and will be present at birth. Normal eyes are able to focus rays of light on the object the individual is looking at, and the eyes send that image to the brain. Individuals who are farsighted, however, have eyes that are not able to focus light rays properly on the object they are looking at. Common symptoms associated with farsightedness include straining of the eyes, frequent headaches, unable to focus on close objects, and fatigue after looking at a close-up object. A basic eye exam can identify if an individual has hyperopia, and it can determine what degree of treatment is needed.

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Laser-Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy

Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) is a surgical procedure that utilizes a laser to correct the refractive error in the eye of an individual who is farsighted. During the first part of the procedure, the corneal epithelium and the underlying stromal layer are separated from each other. Then, instead of having all of the tissue removed and discarded like in a PRK procedure, the surgeon preserves a very thin flap of epithelium that stays attached to the eye. Afterward, an excimer laser is used to reshape the individual's cornea accordingly. To finish the LASEK procedure, the thin flap of epithelial tissue is placed back on the eye surface, and a special bandage contact lens keeps the epithelium in place until it is healed. LASEK procedures to treat farsightedness are known to be very successful, and they have less adverse effects than LASIK or PRK procedures. However, it will take an individual longer to heal and return to normal activities after a LASEK procedure than it would with a LASIK or PRK procedure. A LASEK procedure is typically an effective and safe alternative for individuals who are not a suitable candidate for LASIK surgery to correct their farsightedness.

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