Farsightedness: Hyperopia Diagnosis

Your eye doctor can diagnose hyperopia as part of a comprehensive eye examination. He or she will determine if you have hyperopia by using a standard vision test, where you are asked to read letters on a chart placed at the other end of the room, and other measurements.

If the vision test shows that you are farsighted, your doctor will use certain examination devices to learn what is causing the hyperopia. By shining a special light into your eyes, a retinoscope will be used to see how light reflects off your retina. As the light is reflected back from inside the eye, it can indicate whether a person is farsighted or nearsighted.

Your eye doctor will also use a phoropter, an instrument that measures the amount of refractive error you have. Your proper eyeglass prescription will correct your refractive error.