What ishyperopia?
Do you have trouble seeing up close? Does reading a book, looking at your phone, or working on a screen quickly tire you out? You may be farsighted.
Hyperopia is a common visual impairment: distant vision remains clear, but near vision becomes blurred. This often leads to eye strain, headaches, or a feeling of constant effort.
If you recognize these symptoms, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist or a specialist surgeon to discuss appropriate treatment.
What are the symptoms of hyperopia?
Hyperopia is a visual disorder that causes blurred near vision, while distance vision generally remains clearer, especially in young adults. It is caused by a cornea that is too flat, which causes light rays to converge behind the retina instead of directly on it.
As a result, a person with hyperopia sees distant objects —such as a landscape or a sign —better but has difficulty reading a book, looking at a screen, or performing close-up tasks that require precision.
This poor close-up vision can cause eye strain and fatigue, requiring frequent breaks to rest the eyes, especially in people with severe hyperopia (several diopters).
Over time, particularly after the age of 35-40, the eye's natural ability to compensate for hyperopia diminishes, causing presbyopia to appear or accelerate, making the condition increasingly uncomfortable on a daily basis.
This is why it is important to have regular check-ups withan ophthalmologist specializing in refractive surgery.
Surgical techniques to correct hyperopia
Refractive Surgery
Laser refractive surgery is now a modern, safe, and effective solution with many advantages for permanently correcting hyperopia. It is intended for people who want to free themselves from glasses or contact lenses, which can often be restrictive in everyday life, by acting directly on the cornea to refocus light rays on the retina. Unlike traditional corrective devices, which temporarily compensate for visual defects, surgery offers a structural correction of vision. It is also used to correct other disorders such as myopia or presbyopia.
Intraocular implants
For older patients or those who already have intraocular implants (e.g., after cataract surgery), other solutions may be considered, such as laser refractive surgery or the insertion of phakic ICL implants. However, for people between the ages of 20 and 40 with no contraindications, refractive surgery is often the best option for restoring clear near vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. A comprehensive eye exam is essential to determine the most appropriate surgical procedure for your visual profile and to ensure personalized and safe care.
Our techniques
Our refractive surgery methods are based on cutting-edge technologies, primarily the excimer laser, which is used to precisely reshape the surface of the cornea. This high-precision laser sculpts the cornea to improve the focusing of light on the retina, thereby effectively correcting hyperopia. There are several types of procedures:
- ➜ Quick and painless surgery.
- ➜ Leading laser correction technique. It uses an excimer and femtosecond laser.
- ➜ Almost immediate recovery.
- ➜ Suitable for thin corneas
- ➜ Suitable for physical occupations (firefighters, military personnel, etc.) or contact sports.
- ➜ Option to perform a TRANSPKR (100% laser procedure).
- ➜ Possibility of treating presbyopia.
- ➜ Quick and painless surgery.
- ➜ Suitable for people with presbyopia.
- ➜ Almost immediate recovery.
These procedures provide a lasting correction for hyperopia, offering personalized results tailored to each patient. Imagine no longer having to strain to read up close or worry about eye fatigue after just a few minutes. With refractive surgery, you can correct hyperopia and regain clear vision in your daily life. Enjoy every moment without visual constraints.
How does the surgeon reshape the cornea during the procedure?
When correcting hyperopia, the goal is to increase the curvature of the cornea in order to refocus light rays on the retina. To do this, the excimer laser removes a very thin layer of tissue from the periphery of the cornea, making it more curved. This reshaping corrects the focus shift typical of hyperopia, improving near vision and at the same time relieving distance vision by reducing accommodative effort in a lasting way. The laser mainly targets the peripheral areas of the cornea to increase optical convergence and ensure clear vision without glasses or contact lenses.
Regain clear vision
Imagine no longer having to strain to read up close or worryeye strain after a few minutes. Thanks to refractive surgery, you can treat hyperopia and regain clear vision in your daily life whether you are looking at something far away, up close, or at an intermediate distance, such as a computer screen 30 inches away . Enjoy every moment without visual constraints.
Imagine no longer having to strain to read up close or worryeye strain after a few minutes. Thanks to refractive surgery, you can treat hyperopia and regain clear vision in your daily life whether you are looking at something far away, up close, or at an intermediate distance, such as a computer screen 30 inches away . Enjoy every moment without visual constraints.
FAQ: HYPEROPIA
What is hyperopia?
Hyperopia is a vision disorder caused by a problem with light refraction in the eye, which causes blurred vision when looking at close objects. It is caused by a particular anatomical shape of the eye: either it is too curvedor the cornea is too flat. As a result, the image of nearby objects is formed behind the retina instead of directly on the retinal plane, which impairs the sharpness of near vision.
This disorder may go unnoticed in childhood, as the crystalline lens (natural lens) will automatically compensate for this defect by over-accommodating, which can sometimes cause accommodative spasms and eye strain (asthenopia). However, over time, this ability to adapt diminishes, and symptoms become more apparent, particularly from the age of 35-40 onwards.
How can I tell if I am farsighted?
Here are some signs that may indicate hyperopia:
- Blurred or strained vision when reading or working at a computer screen.
- Frequent headaches, especially at the end of the day.
- Tingling or burning sensation in the eyes after prolonged visual effort.
- Difficulty maintaining concentration during close-up tasks.
- Need to hold things at arm's length to see them clearly (often confused with presbyopia).
An ophthalmologist will be able to accurately measure your visual impairment and offer you suitable solutions.
Does hyperopia change over time?
Yes, it can change. In young people, hyperopia is often "silent" because it is well compensated.
But as the eye ages, the lens loses its flexibility, making compensation more difficult.
This is why many patients discover their hyperopia in adulthood, often at the same time as the first signs of presbyopia.
What are the solutions for correcting hyperopia?
There are three main options:
- Eyeglasses: they effectively correct hyperopia by altering the path of light rays.
- Contact lensesare ideal for those who do not want to wear glasses but require daily maintenance. There are several types: soft, rigid, semi-rigid, scleral, and orthokeratology (lenses worn overnight while sleeping and removed upon waking). In the case of hyperopia, the latter technique flattens the peripheral cornea, making it more curved during the day, and the eye regains its natural curvature at the end of the day. The technique is the same as refractive surgery, but it is not a permanent solution and unfortunately involves many constraints such as acute dry eye syndrome, corneal hypoxia, or even disruption of the corneal endothelium (decrease in endothelial cells).
- Refractive surgery: a permanent solution that corrects the defect directly on the cornea, restoring clear vision without the need for corrective devices.
Surgery is anincreasingly popularoptionfor reasons of comfort, aesthetics, and freedom of movement. It requires a specialized examination by our doctors and optometrists.
What techniques are offered at PHENICIA VISION in Marseille?
We offer three surgical treatments, depending on the patient's visual profile:
- LASIK: A quick, precise, and minimally invasive procedure, this method uses a femtosecond laser to create an ultra-thin flap in the cornea, then an excimer laser to correct the underlying shape. Recovery takes 24 to 48 hours.
- PKR: PKR, ideal for thin corneas, involves removing the thin surface layer of the eye (either manually or entirely by laser in TransPKR) before reshaping the cornea with a laser. Recovery takes a little longer, around 3 to 5 days.
- PRESBYLASIK: a combined technique for correcting hyperopia and presbyopia and, in certain cases, astigmatism.even even astigmatism if the patient has all three defects, suitablesuitable for patients over 40 who want clear vision both far and near.
Thanks to advances in ophthalmology, each method is customized to your visual profile to maximize the benefits of correction.
Is the procedure painful?
This laser treatment is painless thanks to local anesthesia administered via eye drops. You will be awake but will not feel any pain. After the procedure, you may experience slight discomfort:
- Feeling of sand in the eye,
- Watery eyes,
- Sensitivity to light.
These effects are normal, temporary, and disappear within a few hours to a few days, depending on the technique used.
How long does recovery take?
It depends on the surgical techniques:
- LASIK: Vision is often clear within the first few hours, with a return to work the next day.
- PKR: Visual discomfort is common for 2 to 3 days, with complete recovery within 1 week.
- SMILE: Vision gradually improves, with reading comfort restored within a few days.
In all cases, strenuous physical activity and dusty environments should be avoided for one week. Postoperative follow-up is scheduled with checkups on day 1, day 30, and then annually to verify proper healing and vision progression.
Can hyperopia and presbyopia be corrected at the same time?
Yes, particularly thanks to PresbyLASIK or the insertion of multifocal implants. This allows patients to regain comfortable near and distance vision without glasses, offering numerous advantages for people over the age of 40.
In some cases, astigmatism can also be corrected at the same time, if the surgeon considers it compatible with the chosen treatment.
Feasibility will depend on your:
- Âg,
- Correction,stability of ametropia
- Condition of the cornea, and the eye in general
- Visual expectations (reading, driving, etc.).
Who can benefit from laser correction?
You may be eligible for the operation if:
You are of legal age.
Your prescription has been stable for at least one year (no change greater than 0.50 diopters in the last two years).
You do not have any medical contraindications, such as:
keratoconus,
cornea too thin,
severe dry eye,
retinal diseases (e.g., AMD, retinopathy, degeneration),
amblyopia,
uveitis,
glaucoma,
progressive cataract.
Should I stop wearing my contact lenses before the operation?
Contact lenses can temporarily change the shape of your cornea. Here are the recommended time limits:
- Soft contact lenses: stop wearing them one week before the examination and surgery.
- Hard or semi-hard lenses: stop wearing them 2 to 3 weeks beforehand.
This ensures reliable measurements for optimal results.
Is surgery covered by insurance?
It's simple:
- On Doctolib, by choosing an appointment slot with a specialized ophthalmologist.
- By phone, by contacting PHENICIA VISION directly.
- Or by visiting our website.
The preoperative assessment allows you to:
- Measure your visual acuity,
- Assess the health of your cornea and lens,
- Choosing the best surgical technique for you.
At Phenicia Vision in Marseille, our team ofoptometrists and doctors combines expertise in ophthalmology and cutting-edge technology to offer long-lasting vision correction.
What are the possible risks or side effects?
Side effects are rare, but the risk is always present and most often temporary. These include:
- Dry eyes
- Sensitivity to light,
- Halos around lights (especially at night),
- Temporary fluctuation in vision.
Good follow-up and clear communication between the patient andthe medical team make it possible to anticipate and quickly treat any discomfort, and reduce all risks.
How do I make an appointment?
Simply book an eye exam via Doctolib or by contacting a center specializing in refractive surgery directly. This appointment, carried out with an optometrist or eye surgeon, will allow your prescription to be accurately measured, the overall health of your eyes to be assessed, and to determine whether your myopia has been stable for at least one year.
More specifically, the review will enable us to:
The preoperative assessment allows you to:
Measure your visual acuity.
Assess the health of your eyes (cornea, lens, retina, tears, and tear glands).
Examine your eyelids and eye muscles to check for convergence or accommodation disorders.
Determine the surgical technique best suited to your profile.
If no contraindications are detected (such as a cornea that is too thin, keratoconus, or early-stage cataracts) and you meet the eligibility criteria, the ophthalmologist will then be able to recommend a suitable surgical technique (LASIK, PRK, or SMILE) and schedule the procedure. This initial consultation is essential to ensure personalized, safe care that meets your visual needs and lifestyle. During this assessment, you will be given a detailed quote, including the price of the operation according to the technique chosen.
What are the contraindications for refractive surgery?
Here are some situations where refractive surgery is not recommended:
- Cornea too thin,
- Progressive conditions (keratoconus, glaucoma, advanced cataracts),
- Uncontrolled autoimmune diseases,
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding (temporarily),
- Severe untreated dry eye.
In these cases, other options may be suggested by the ophthalmologist to avoid any risk of complications.
Is it possible to have surgery if I have already had cataract surgery or if I have implants?
It is often possible to undergo secondary refractive surgery (PRK or LASIK) even after implant placement, if residual correction is necessary. A thorough assessment will evaluate:
- The quality of the cornea,
- The type of implant,
- The tear film and the topography of the eye.
Do presbyopia and myopia occur at the same time?
Yes, particularly thanks to PresbyLASIK or the insertion ofmultifocal implants. This allows patients to regain comfortable near and distance vision without glasses, offering numerous benefits for people over the age of 40.
In some cases,astigmatism can also be corrected at the same time, if the surgeon considers it compatible with the chosen treatment.
Feasibility will depend on your:
- Age,
- Correction,
- Condition of the cornea,
- Visual expectations (reading, driving, etc.).
Is refractive surgery for hyperopia permanent, or can it "come back" over time?
Yes, particularly thanks to PresbyLASIK or the insertion ofmultifocal implants. This allows patients to regain comfortable near and distance vision without glasses, offering numerous benefits for people over the age of 40.
In some cases,astigmatism can also be corrected at the same time, if the surgeon considers it compatible with the chosen treatment.
Feasibility will depend on your:
- Age,
- Correction,
- Condition of the cornea,
- Visual expectations (reading, driving, etc.).
Can I drive or use a screen immediately after the procedure?
Refractive surgery provides a permanent solution for hyperopia. Once the cornea has been reshaped, it retains its new shape over time, allowing for clear vision without glasses or contact lenses for many years.
However, it is important to note that the eye continues to age naturally. After the age of 40-45, presbyopia may develop, even if hyperopia has been corrected. This change is not a recurrence of hyperopia, but a loss of accommodation of the lens, which can be corrected by other techniques if necessary.
Regular checkups with your ophthalmologist remain essential to preserve the quality of your vision in the long term.
Can I have the surgery even if I have worn glasses since childhood?
Yes, of course. Many patients with hyperopia have worn glasses since childhood, sometimes with a significant correction. It is entirely possible to have surgery provided that:
- Your vision correction must have been stable for at least 2 years.
- Your cornea is sufficiently thick and regular,
- You had no medical contraindications.
The preoperative consultation will allow all these factors to be checked. It is often the case that long-term patients are among the most satisfied, as they rediscover the comfort of natural vision for the first time since childhood.
Is there an age limit for undergoing surgery for hyperopia?
There is no fixed age limit, but certain areas of caution should be taken into account:
- Under 20 years of age: it is preferable to wait until vision is stable, as hyperopia may still change.
- Between 20 and 45 years old: this is the ideal age range for LASIK or PRK correction,if the correction is stable .
- After 45-50 years of age: if presbyopia sets in, adapted techniques such as PresbyLASIK or multifocal implants are preferred.
In older patients, or those who have already undergone cataract surgery, additional surgery may be recommended. The decision is made on a case-by-case basis, following a thorough assessment.
Can I drive or use a screen immediately after the procedure?
It all depends on the technique used and individual recovery:
- With LASIK, most patients regain good vision within a few hours and can drive the next day if the ophthalmologist gives the green light.
- With PKR, more pronounced visual discomfort is present for 2 to 3 days, making driving orprolonged use of screens uncomfortable.
- With PresbyLASIK, recovery is also quick, but slight blurring at close range may persist for a few days while the brain adapts to the new vision. There is also PresbyPKR, which has the same advantages and disadvantages as PKR.
In all cases, a full day of rest is recommended after the operation, and it is best to avoid screens for 24 to 48 hours to limit fatigue.Your ophthalmologist will tell you exactly when it is safe to resume your normal activities.
How much does surgery for hyperopia cost, and are there any payment options available?
The cost depends on the technique used (LASIK, PRK, or PresbyLASIK) and the type of surgery required. On average, you can expect to pay:
- Between €2,000 and €2,800 for both eyes at Phenicia Vision
- This fee generally includes the preoperative assessment, the procedure, postoperative care, and follow-up consultations.
- Yes, payment plans are available for up to four installments with a processing fee.
€145 in administrative fees.
This surgery is not covered by Social Security, but some mutual insurance companies reimburse part of the costs (approximately €800 per year, depending on the policy).
