Hypermétropie —
voir net de près
comme de loin
Mal voir de près, fatigue oculaire, maux de tête : l'hypermétropie se corrige durablement par chirurgie réfractive au laser, adaptée à votre profil cornéen.
What is Farsightedness?
Do you struggle to see up close? Do reading a book, checking your phone, or working on a screen quickly tire your eyes? You might be farsighted.
Farsightedness is a common vision problem: distance vision remains clear, but near vision becomes blurry. This often leads to eye strain, headaches, or a feeling of constant effort.
If you recognize these symptoms, it's important to consult an ophthalmologist or a specialized surgeon to consider suitable treatment.
What are the symptoms of farsightedness?
Farsightedness is a vision problem that causes blurry near vision, while distance vision generally remains clearer, especially in young adults. It occurs because the cornea is too flat, causing light rays to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it.
As a result, a farsighted person sees distant objects better — such as a landscape or a sign — but has difficulty reading a book, looking at a screen, or performing precise close-up tasks.
This poor close-up vision can cause visual fatigue, eye strain, and necessitate frequent breaks to rest the eyes, particularly in individuals with significant farsightedness (several diopters).
Over time, especially after 35-40 years of age, the eye's natural ability to compensate for farsightedness diminishes. This leads to the onset or acceleration of presbyopia, making the condition increasingly uncomfortable in daily life.
This highlights the importance of regular check-ups with an ophthalmologist specializing in refractive surgery.
Surgical techniques to correct farsightedness
Refractive Surgery
Laser refractive surgery is now a modern, safe, and effective solution with many benefits for permanently correcting farsightedness. It is for people who want to stop relying on glasses or contact lenses, which are often inconvenient in daily life. It works by directly reshaping the cornea to refocus light rays onto the retina. Unlike traditional corrective devices that temporarily compensate for vision problems, surgery provides a structural correction to vision. It is also used to correct other conditions like nearsightedness or presbyopia.
Intraocular Implants
For older patients or those who already have intraocular implants (for example, after cataract surgery), other solutions may be considered, such as laser refractive surgery or the placement of phakic ICL implants. However, for individuals between 20 and 40 years old with no contraindications, refractive surgery is often the best option to regain clear close-up vision without relying on glasses or contact lenses. A comprehensive eye examination is essential to determine the most suitable surgical procedure for your visual profile and to ensure personalized and safe care.
Our Techniques
Our refractive surgery methods rely on advanced technologies, primarily the Excimer laser, used to precisely reshape the cornea's surface. This high-precision laser sculpts the cornea to improve how light focuses on the retina, thereby effectively correcting farsightedness. There are several types of procedures:
- ➜ Quick and painless surgery.
- ➜ The standard laser correction technique. It uses an excimer and femtosecond laser.
- ➜ Almost immediate recovery.
- ➜ Suitable for thin corneas.
- ➜ Suitable for physically demanding professions (firefighters, military, etc.) or contact sports.
- ➜ Option to perform a TRANSPKR (100% laser procedure).
- ➜ Can treat presbyopia.
- ➜ Quick and painless surgery.
- ➜ Suitable for people with presbyopia.
- ➜ Almost immediate recovery.
These procedures permanently correct farsightedness, offering personalized results for each patient. Imagine no longer having to strain to read up close or fear eye fatigue after just a few minutes. Thanks to refractive surgery, you can correct farsightedness and regain clear vision in your daily life. Enjoy every moment without visual limitations.
How does the surgeon reshape the cornea during the procedure?
When correcting farsightedness, the goal is to increase the curvature of the cornea to refocus light rays onto the retina. To achieve 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 focusing error typical of farsightedness, improving close-up vision and simultaneously easing distant vision by durably reducing accommodative effort. The laser primarily targets the peripheral areas of the cornea to increase optical convergence and ensure clear vision without glasses or contact lenses.
Are you eligible for surgery?
Find out if you're eligible by having an assessment at our center.
Regain clear vision
Imagine no longer having to strain to read up close or fear eye fatigue after just a few minutes. Thanks to refractive surgery, you can correct farsightedness and regain clear vision in your daily life, whether for distant, close-up, or intermediate vision (for example, for computer screens at 80 cm). Enjoy every moment without visual limitations.
Imagine no longer having to strain to read up close or fear eye fatigue after just a few minutes. Thanks to refractive surgery, you can correct farsightedness and regain clear vision in your daily life, whether for distant, close-up, or intermediate vision (for example, for computer screens at 80 cm). Enjoy every moment without visual limitations.
FAQ: FARSIGHTEDNESS
What is farsightedness?
Farsightedness is a vision disorder caused by a problem with how light refracts in the eye, leading to blurry vision for close-up objects. It results from a specific anatomical shape of the eye: either it is too short, or the cornea is too flat. As a result, images of nearby objects form behind the retina instead of directly on the retinal plane, which impairs the clarity of close-up vision.
This condition might go unnoticed in childhood because the eye's natural lens automatically compensates for the defect by over-focusing. This can sometimes lead to focusing spasms and eye strain. However, over time, this ability to adapt decreases, and symptoms become more noticeable, particularly from ages 35-40.
How do I know if I am farsighted?
Here are some signs that may indicate farsightedness:
- Blurry or tired vision when reading or working on a screen.
- Frequent headaches, particularly at the end of the day.
- Stinging or burning eyes after prolonged visual effort.
- Difficulty maintaining concentration during close-up tasks.
- Needing to hold objects further away to see them clearly (often confused with presbyopia).
An ophthalmologist can accurately measure your vision defect and suggest suitable solutions.
Does farsightedness change over time?
Yes, it can change. In young people, farsightedness is often "silent" because it is well compensated for.
However, as the eye ages, the lens loses its flexibility, making compensation more difficult.
This is why many patients discover their farsightedness in adulthood, often at the same time as the first signs of presbyopia.
What are the solutions for correcting farsightedness?
Three main options are available:
- Eyeglasses: they effectively correct farsightedness by changing the path of light rays.
- Contact lenses: ideal for those who prefer not to wear glasses, but require daily care. Several types exist: soft, rigid, semi-rigid, scleral, and orthokeratology (lenses worn overnight while sleeping and removed upon waking). For farsighted individuals, this last technique flattens the peripheral cornea, making it more curved during the day, and the eye returns to its natural curvature by the end of the day. While the technique is similar to refractive surgery, it is not a permanent solution. Unfortunately, this method comes with many drawbacks, such as severe dry eye syndrome, corneal hypoxia (lack of oxygen), or even disruption of the corneal endothelium (a decrease in endothelial cells).
- Refractive surgery: a permanent solution that corrects the defect directly on the cornea, allowing you to regain clear vision without corrective devices.
Surgery is an increasingly popular option for 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 fast, precise, and minimally invasive procedure, this method uses a femtosecond laser to create an ultrathin flap in the cornea, then an Excimer laser to correct the underlying shape. Recovery within 24 to 48 hours.
- PRK: PRK, ideal for thin corneas, involves removing the eye's thin surface layer (either manually or entirely with a laser in TransPRK) before reshaping the cornea with a laser. Recovery is slightly longer, about 3 to 5 days.
- PRESBYLASIK: a combined technique to correct farsightedness and presbyopia, and in some cases even astigmatism if the patient has all three defects for patients over 40 who desire clear vision for both near and far distances.
Thanks to advances in ophthalmology, each method is customized according 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 are awake, but will not feel any pain. After the procedure, you might experience slight discomfort:
- A gritty sensation in the eye,
- Watery eyes,
- Light sensitivity.
These effects are normal, temporary, and usually disappear within a few hours to a few days, depending on the technique used.
How long does recovery take?
This depends on the surgical techniques:
- LASIK: Vision is often clear within the first few hours, and you can return to work as early as the next day.
- PRK: Visual discomfort is common for 2 to 3 days, with full recovery within 1 week.
- SMILE: Vision improves gradually, and comfortable reading is restored within a few days.
In all cases, intense physical activities or dusty environments must be avoided for one week. Post-operative follow-up is scheduled with check-ups on day 1, day 30, and then annually to ensure proper healing and monitor vision changes.
Can hyperopia and presbyopia be corrected at the same time?
Yes, particularly with PresbyLASIK or the insertion of multifocal implants. This allows for comfortable near and distance vision without glasses, offering many advantages for people over 40.
In some cases, astigmatism can also be corrected at the same time, if the surgeon determines it is compatible with the chosen treatment.
Feasibility will depend on your:
- Age,
- Your prescription, and the stability of your vision problem
- The condition of your cornea, and your eye in general
- Visual expectations (reading, driving, etc.).
Who can benefit from laser vision correction?
You may be a candidate for surgery if:
You are an adult.
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 conditions that would prevent the surgery, such as:
keratoconus,
thin cornea,
severe dry eyes,
retinal diseases (e.g., AMD, retinopathy, degeneration),
amblyopia,
uveitis,
glaucoma,
progressive cataract.
Do I need to stop wearing my contact lenses before the surgery?
Contact lenses can temporarily change the shape of your cornea. Here are the recommended waiting times:
- Soft lenses: stop 1 week before the assessment and surgery.
- Rigid or semi-rigid lenses: stop 2 to 3 weeks before.
This ensures reliable measurements for optimal results.
Is the 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 us to:
- Measure your visual acuity,
- Assess the health of your cornea and lens,
- Choose the best surgical technique for you.
At Phenicia Vision in Marseille, our team of optometrists and doctors combines ophthalmology expertise with advanced technologies to provide 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
- Light sensitivity,
- Halos around lights (especially at night),
- Temporary vision fluctuation.
Good follow-up care and clear communication between the patient and the medical team help anticipate and quickly address any discomfort, and reduce all risks.
How to book an appointment?
Simply book an ophthalmological assessment via Doctolib or by directly contacting a center specializing in refractive surgery. This appointment, conducted with an optometrist or an ophthalmic surgeon, allows for precise measurement of your vision correction, evaluation of your overall eye health, and determination of whether your myopia has been stable for at least one year.
More specifically, the assessment will allow us to:
The preoperative assessment allows us 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 any issues with eye alignment or focusing.
Determine the most suitable surgical technique for your specific needs.
If no contraindications are detected (such as a very thin cornea, keratoconus, or early-stage cataracts) and you meet the eligibility criteria, the ophthalmologist can then suggest an appropriate surgical technique (LASIK, PKR, or SMILE) and schedule the procedure. This initial consultation is crucial to ensure a personalized, safe approach that aligns with your visual needs and lifestyle. During this assessment, you will receive a detailed quote, including the price of the operation based on the chosen technique.
What are the contraindications for refractive surgery?
Here are some situations where refractive surgery is not recommended:
- Cornea that is too thin,
- Progressive eye conditions (keratoconus, glaucoma, advanced cataracts),
- Unstabilized 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've already had cataract surgery or have implants?
It is often possible to undergo secondary refractive surgery (PRK or LASIK) even after implant placement, if a residual correction is needed. A thorough assessment will help evaluate:
- The quality of the cornea,
- The type of implant,
- The tear film and the eye's topography.
Can presbyopia and myopia be corrected at the same time?
Yes, particularly with PresbyLASIK or the placement of multifocal implants. This allows you to regain comfortable vision for both near and far without glasses, offering many benefits for people over 40.
In some cases, astigmatism can also be corrected at the same time, if the surgeon deems 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 'return' over time?
Yes, particularly with PresbyLASIK or the placement of multifocal implants. This allows you to regain comfortable vision for both near and far without glasses, offering many benefits for people over 40.
In some cases, astigmatism can also be corrected at the same time, if the surgeon deems it compatible with the chosen treatment.
The feasibility will depend on your:
- Age,
- Correction,
- Condition of the cornea,
- Visual expectations (reading, driving, etc.).
Can I drive or use a screen right after the procedure?
Refractive surgery can permanently correct farsightedness. Once the cornea is reshaped, it maintains its new form over time, allowing for clear vision without glasses or contact lenses for many years.
However, it's important to note that the eye naturally continues to age. After 40-45 years of age, presbyopia may appear, even if farsightedness has been corrected. This change is not a return of farsightedness, but a loss of the lens's ability to focus, which can be corrected by other techniques if necessary.
Regular follow-ups with your ophthalmologist remain essential to preserve the quality of your vision in the long term.
Can I have the surgery even if I've worn glasses since childhood?
Yes, absolutely. Many farsighted patients have worn glasses since childhood, sometimes with a significant correction. It is entirely possible to have surgery, provided that:
- Your prescription has been stable for at least 2 years.
- Your cornea is sufficiently thick and regular,
- You have no medical contraindications.
The pre-operative consultation will allow us to check all these factors. It is even common for long-term patients to be among the most satisfied, as they rediscover the comfort of natural vision for the first time since childhood.
Is there an age limit for farsightedness surgery?
There is no fixed age limit, but certain areas of caution should be considered:
- Under 20 years old: it is preferable to wait until vision is stable, as farsightedness can still change.
- Between 20 and 45 years old: this is the ideal age range for correction using LASIK or PRK, provided your prescription is stable.
- After 45-50 years old: if presbyopia develops, adapted techniques such as PresbyLASIK or multifocal implants are preferred.
For older patients, or those who have already undergone cataract surgery, a supplementary surgery may be offered. The decision is made on a case-by-case basis, after a thorough assessment.
Can I drive or use a screen right after the procedure?
Everything 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 their approval.
- With PRK, a more noticeable visual discomfort is present for 2 to 3 days, making driving or prolonged screen use uncomfortable.
- With PresbyLASIK, recovery is also fast, but a slight blur at close range may persist for a few days while the brain adapts to the new vision. Presby PRK also exists, with the same advantages and disadvantages as PRK.
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 eye strain. The ophthalmologist will tell you precisely when it is safe to resume your activities.
How much does farsightedness surgery cost, and are payment plans available?
The cost depends on the technique used (LASIK, PRK, or PresbyLASIK) and the type of procedure required. On average, you can expect to pay:
- Between €2,000 and €2,800 for both eyes at Phenicia Vision
- This price generally includes the pre-operative assessment, the surgery, post-operative care, and follow-up consultations.
- Yes, payment facilities are available for up to 4 installments with administrative fees.
Administrative fees are 145 euros.
This surgery is not covered by national health insurance, but some private health insurance plans reimburse a portion of the costs (approximately €800 per year, depending on the contract).
