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Farsightedness (Hyperopia) - Exams and Tests

A routine eye exam can detect farsightedness (hyperopia) and other refractive errors, eye disease, and other diseases that can affect the eyes. A complete exam takes 30 to 60 minutes.

A routine eye exam includes:

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Medical history and physical exam. Your doctor will ask questions about your health, lifestyle, medicines you are taking, and past eye problems. Questions about your family members may help your doctor know whether you may have inherited eye problems.
Vision tests (visual acuity, visual fields, and refraction).
Slit lamp exam, an exam of the eye using a microscope.
Tonometry, a measure of the pressure inside the eye, or intraocular pressure (IOP).
Ophthalmoscopy, which allows a doctor to see inside the back of the eye (fundus) and other structures using a magnifying instrument (ophthalmoscope) and a light source.

Cycloplegic drops are often used in the diagnosis of farsightedness. They dilate the eye and make accommodation impossible so that the doctor can tell whether you are farsighted.

Early Detection

Routine testing of visual acuity (the ability to see details and shapes clearly) is usually a part of every general physical exam during childhood. The U.S. Preventive Screening Task Force recommends screening to detect amblyopia, strabismus, and defects in visual acuity in children younger than age 5 years.¹

In young children, photoscreening can be useful in diagnosing farsightedness. Photoscreening uses images captured from film or video and does not require cooperation from the child during the exam.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: November 05, 2009

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.