Among visual defects, hypermetropia is a condition where the patient cannot see nearby objects clearly. Hypermetropes can see distant objects clearly, but they face difficulty with near vision due to the eye's anterior and posterior lengths being shorter than normal. Hypermetropia is a treatable condition.
What is Latent Hypermetropia?
Latent hypermetropia is a condition often seen in primary school students, which, if not diagnosed early, can lead to serious problems in later years. Patients with this condition can see both distant and nearby objects well, but experience difficulty during reading and nighttime vision, leading to headaches and eye fatigue. To prevent this condition, which can also cause school failure in children, every child between the ages of 1 and 5 should have an eye examination.
Symptoms of Hypermetropia
The most noticeable symptom is the inability to see nearby objects. If left untreated for a long period and ignored, it can lead to amblyopia. Other symptoms include headaches, blurred vision, light sensitivity, eye strain, reluctance to read, esotropia, particularly in children, failure in catching balls, lack of concentration, and watching TV as closely as possible.
Types of Hypermetropia Structural Hypermetropia
The short anterior and posterior lengths of the eye prevent a clear image, causing blurred vision. Even if the cornea or eye lens is of normal length, the anterior and posterior length of the eye is shorter than normal values.
Accommodative Hypermetropia
Due to the insufficient ability of the eyes to see nearby objects, they over-accommodate to clarify the vision. The eye lens attempts to provide clear vision by altering its refractive power. This can lead to pupil constriction over time and can cause the eyes to turn inward in children.
Treatment of Hypermetropia
As with all vision defects, our first treatment option is glasses. After a detailed examination, the degree of hypermetropia in the eye is determined, and prescription glasses are provided. For patients who have difficulty using glasses, prescription contact lenses are recommended. However, lens usage requires serious care and hygiene, and patients may not be able to use them continuously. In such cases, refractive surgery, or laser surgery on the cornea, can be applied to patients over 18. If the patient is not suitable for this treatment, hypermetropia can also be treated through surgery that involves replacing the lens inside the eye or inserting a second lens (phakic lens).
Is Laser Treatment Possible for Hypermetropia?
The most common method used worldwide in refractive surgery for treating myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism is LASER. There are several types of laser surgeries. The first is Lasik, which involves creating a flap. Another type is PRK Lasek, which are surface surgeries. SMILE laser is the latest, 3rd generation laser refractive surgery. However, SMILE laser is not yet applied in hypermetropia.
Treatment of Hypermetropia in Infants
In infancy and childhood, hypermetropia is treated only with the use of glasses, but when the patient reaches the age of 18, their condition can be reevaluated for treatment with refractive surgery or corneal laser surgery.
Hypermetropia Surgery
In treating myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism, the most common method used worldwide in refractive surgery is LASER. There are several types of laser surgeries. The first is Lasik, which involves creating a flap with or without a laser on the cornea to reach the tissue and perform the operation. After closing the flap, the patient begins to see well. Complaints such as pain, burning, and stinging are either nonexistent or very short-lived. Another type is PRK Lasek, which are surface surgeries that do not create any incisions on the cornea. Instead, only the epithelial tissue on the top of the cornea is peeled back, and the laser is directly applied to the patient's cornea. To protect the corneal surface after the operation, contact lenses are worn for 2-3 days. Reaching clear vision after this procedure may take 3-4 weeks. After laser treatment, symptoms such as pain, stinging, watering, and blurred vision can be observed for 3-4 days. Permanent correction of refractive errors is achieved through procedures on the cornea and lens.
Individuals over 40 years old who have difficulty seeing either near or far and want to completely get rid of glasses are suitable candidates for this procedure. With a successful operation, each patient fitted with a multifocal lens can achieve clear vision at both near and far distances. For younger patients with refractive errors (eye prescriptions) that cannot be corrected with laser, "Smart Lens" treatment can also be utilized.
Things to Know About Hypermetropia
Among vision defects, hypermetropia is a common eye disorder characterized by the inability to clearly see objects at close proximity. The simplest answer to the question "What is hypermetropia?" is the inability to see nearby objects clearly due to a refractive error causing the image to fall behind the retina. Individuals with hypermetropia can see distant objects clearly but have difficulty focusing on nearby objects. This usually occurs due to the anterior-posterior diameter of the eye being shorter than normal.
Hypermetropia can affect different age groups. If not detected during childhood, it can lead to permanent problems like amblyopia. Hypermetropia is not an issue of being unable to see far; rather, individuals with this condition can see far clearly but experience complaints such as headaches and eye fatigue during activities requiring near vision, like reading.
Types and Causes of Hypermetropia
Hypermetropia is divided into two main groups: structural hypermetropia and accommodative hypermetropia. In structural hypermetropia, the anterior-posterior length of the eye is short, preventing the image from correctly falling on the retina. In accommodative hypermetropia, the eye constantly strives to clarify the image, which can lead to symptoms such as headaches, intraocular pain, and strain in the eye muscles over time.
Symptoms of Hypermetropia
While the symptoms of hypermetropia can vary from person to person, the most common symptoms include:
- Difficulty focusing on nearby objects
- Headaches and eye strain
- Blurred vision, especially during reading
- Sensitivity to light
- Esotropia in children
- Lack of attention and failure at school
Which Lens is Used to Treat Hypermetropia?
In hypermetropia treatment, thin-edged (positive) convex lenses are generally preferred. These lenses help by correctly refracting light to fall on the retina. In optical terms, the answer to the question "which lens corrects hypermetropia" is "a converging lens." Vision clarity can be achieved with glasses or contact lenses.
For individuals over 18 who do not want to use glasses or lenses, refractive surgery, or corneal laser treatment, can be applied. In addition, for advanced hypermetropia cases, intraocular lens (smart lens) implantation is also an effective solution.
Laser Treatment for Hypermetropia
Laser treatment is a modern method preferred for a permanent solution to many refractive errors, including hypermetropia. Techniques such as Lasik and PRK (Lasek) work by making changes to the corneal surface to ensure light is refracted correctly. SMILE laser technology is not yet used in hypermetropia treatment. Before laser application, a detailed eye examination should be conducted to determine if the patient is suitable for this procedure.
Hypermetropia in Infants and Children
Hypermetropia in infants can be considered natural; however, if it progresses beyond a certain age, it should be intervened with glasses treatment. Regular eye examinations for children aged 1 to 5 are crucial for the early detection of problems like latent hypermetropia. In school-age children, symptoms such as attention deficit and reluctance to read should prompt a visit to an eye specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hypermetropia?
Hypermetropia is a condition where nearby objects cannot be seen clearly due to a refractive error in the eye. This problem generally arises because of the eye globe being shorter from front to back than normal. Individuals with hypermetropia can see distant objects clearly but have difficulty seeing nearby objects.
Which lens is used to treat hypermetropia?
Positive (converging) convex lenses are used in the treatment of hypermetropia. These lenses focus light on the retina to provide clear vision. Glasses or contact lenses may be preferred, and in advanced cases, laser or smart lens treatments may come into play.
Is hypermetropia a problem of being unable to see far?
No, hypermetropia is not an inability to see far; it is an inability to see nearby objects clearly. Individuals with hypermetropia can see distant objects clearly but have difficulty with activities requiring near focus, such as reading.
How is hypermetropia treated?
Hypermetropia is initially treated with glasses or contact lenses. Laser treatment or intraocular lens surgery are options for individuals who do not wish to wear glasses and are over the age of 18. The treatment method is determined based on the patient's age, eye structure, and degree of hypermetropia.