Do I Need to Wear Glasses to Correct Farsightedness?

Written by Dr. Melody Huang, O.D.

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Do I Need to Wear Glasses to Correct Farsightedness?

The answer depends on the strength of your prescription. The higher the number, the more likely you’ll need eyeglasses. The best way to find out is to have your optometrist perform an eye exam.

Farsightedness (hyperopia) is a type of refractive error that primarily affects your ability to see objects up close. Other refractive errors include myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).

diagram comparing normal vision, hyperopia, and hyperopia corrected

Understanding Farsighted Prescription Strength

When you look at your prescription, you’ll see a number under the “sphere” section. If this number has a plus (+) sign in front, you need farsighted correction. If the number has a negative (-) sign in front, you require nearsighted correction.

The higher the number, the stronger your prescription is:

Low hyperopia. A +2.00 D or lower
Moderate hyperopia. This varies between +2.25 to +5.00 D
Severe hyperopia. A prescription above +5.25 D

If your farsightedness is very mild, you may not need prescription glasses. Or, your optometrist might recommend wearing them for specific tasks such as reading or computer work. If your prescription is moderate or high, your optometrist may advise you to wear glasses full-time.

What are the Symptoms of Farsightedness?

General symptoms of hyperopia include:

Blurry close up vision
Eye strain or fatigue
Headaches
Tired eyes
Squinting
Difficulty reading or doing computer work

Varied Manifestations of Hyperopia

In cases of mild hyperopia, near vision may appear blurry while distance vision remains clear. Some people, especially children, may experience no symptoms due to their eyes’ enhanced flexibility in accommodating changes in focus.

As hyperopia becomes more pronounced, vision can become blurry at all distances. It’s important to note that hyperopia differs from presbyopia, which affects near vision in older people due to the stiffening of the natural lens in the eye.

Uncorrected hyperopia symptoms typically worsen over time. Fortunately, eyeglasses and contacts offer a relatively simple solution to correcting this condition.

Best Glasses for Farsightedness

Regarding eyeglasses for farsightedness, these lenses have a specific design. Typically, they’re thicker in the center and gradually thin out towards the edges.

However, for some, especially those with stronger corrections, concerns may arise about farsighted glasses giving their eyes a “bug-eyed” appearance. The thickness and weight of lenses correcting higher prescriptions are also often a source of discomfort.

Fortunately, several lens options and additions provide a sleeker, more attractive appearance and enhance wearer comfort. These options can significantly improve the overall experience of wearing glasses for farsightedness.

Some of the best glasses for farsightedness include:

1. CR-39

Because CR-39 is thicker and heavier, it’s best for mild hyperopic prescriptions around +1.00. CR-39 are standard plastic lenses. They’re inexpensive and offer clear, crisp vision.

2. Polycarbonate Lenses

Polycarbonate lenses are a solid choice for moderate prescriptions around +2.00 to +3.00. They’re thinner, lighter than standard plastic, and more impact-resistant. However, the clarity of vision tends to be worse than that of other lenses.

3. Trivex Lenses

Trivex lenses are harder to find but are an excellent alternative to polycarbonate. These lenses have many of the same benefits as polycarbonate but are even lighter and offer a higher quality of vision. They’re also suitable for prescriptions from +2.00 to +3.00.

4. High-Index Lenses

High-index lenses are the thinnest option available and popular for those with high prescriptions (a hyperopic correction of +4.00 or higher). They can be up to 50% lighter than standard plastic lenses.

These lenses can help minimize the bug-eyed look. One drawback is that high-index lenses reflect more light than other lenses, so an anti-reflective coating pairs best with it.

5. Aspheric Lenses

Aspheric lens designs are an option to improve the appearance and vision of a high-index lens. The lens becomes thinner and flatter and provides consistent vision across the lens. Aspheric lenses are best at reducing the bug-eyed appearance.

6. Anti-Reflective Coating

Anti-reflective coating reduces light reflections off the lens surface, allowing more light to enter your eyes for clearer vision. Anti-reflective coating improves the cosmetic look of your glasses. It also reduces glare when driving at night or looking at a digital device.

7. UV Coating

Ultraviolet (UV) coating goes on lenses to provide UV protection from the sun. This option isn’t always necessary since most lenses have built-in UV protection, except CR-39.

Best Contact Lenses for Farsightedness

Most wearers use soft lenses of soft, flexible plastics called hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. Soft contacts are available in monthly, biweekly, and daily disposable schedules.

Your optometrist can advise you on which contacts are best for you and how often you need to change them. Some common brands of soft contact lenses available in hyperopic prescriptions include:

Most soft contact lenses are available in a wide range of prescriptions, with many brands carrying up to +6.00 or +8.00.

Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP) Lenses for Farsightedness

Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses are hard, plastic lenses. RGP lenses are durable and typically require replacement only once a year, sometimes even lasting longer.

The rigid material also provides a consistent, smooth surface with clear vision throughout the day. This feature is ideal for those who don’t see well with soft contacts, particularly those with severe hyperopia or hyperopia and high astigmatism.

If your prescription is higher than the typical range or if you have astigmatism, your doctor may prescribe a brand that carries extended ranges (sometimes labeled as “XR” lenses) or custom-made lenses.

Summary

Choosing the best lenses for farsightedness depends on your prescription and lifestyle needs. Standard plastic lenses are budget-friendly, while polycarbonate, Trivex, high-index, and aspheric lenses offer thinner and lighter options with improved vision quality.

Coatings like anti-reflective and UV can further enhance your visual experience. For contact lens wearers, soft lenses are popular, but rigid gas-permeable lenses may be a better option for those with higher prescriptions or astigmatism. Consult an optometrist to find the best solution for your needs.

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