Do you have difficulty seeing objects up close? Do you often squint or experience headaches when reading or doing other close-up tasks? If so, you may have a common eye condition called long-sightedness, also known as hyperopia, hypermetropia or farsightedness. Fortunately, there is a safe and effective solution to correct long-sightedness: PRK laser eye surgery. In this article, we explain what long-sightedness is and how PRK laser eye surgery can correct it so you can say goodbye to blur and hello to clear vision!

Long-sightedness, also known as hyperopia, hypermetropia, or farsightedness (a more favoured term in the US), is a condition where a person can clearly see far away objects, but close objects appear blurry. Long-sightedness happens when the shape of the eye makes light focus behind the retina instead of on it.

Hyperopia can be caused by several factors, such as:

• Family genetics
• When the eyeball is too short from front to back
• Misshaped cornea

Some people are born with hyperopia and may not notice any symptoms until they age. Whereas others may develop hyperopia as they age, as the lens of the eye loses its flexibility and ability to focus.

Common symptoms of hyperopia include:

• Blurry vision when viewing close-up objects
• Squinting of the eyes to see a more precise image
• Eyestrain, burning eyes, and aching in the eyes
• Headache after reading or other activities involving close-up focus

It’s essential to get regular eye exams to detect and correct hyperopia, especially in children who may not notice any symptoms. Children with severe hyperopia may be at higher risk for other eye problems, like crossed or lazy eyes.

Short-sightedness and long-sightedness are common vision problems affecting individuals of all ages. A National Health Survey reported that over 13 million Australians are estimated to have one or more chronic (long-term) eye conditions, with the majority living with hyperopia (long-sightedness) and myopia (short-sightedness). But what is the difference?

Short-sightedness, or myopia, is a condition where a person can clearly see objects close-up, but far away objects appear blurry. Long-sightedness, hyperopia or hypermetropia is the opposite of short-sightedness. Both short-sightedness and long-sightedness can be corrected with PRK laser eye surgery. If you’re curious about treating short-sightedness, read our recent article, PRK laser eye surgery for short-sightedness (myopia).

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a type of laser eye surgery that corrects long-sighted vision by reshaping the cornea. The cornea is the clear front surface of your eye that bends light rays as they enter your eye. By changing the shape of your cornea, PRK can improve how your eye focuses light on your retina and give you clear vision without glasses or contacts. Unlike LASIK, PRK does not require the creation of a corneal flap. Instead, we remove the cornea’s outer layer (epithelium) and use a state-of-the-art excimer laser to reshape the underlying tissue.

Yes, PRK is a permanent solution for long-sightedness. PRK improves your vision and removes daily reliance on contact lenses or glasses. At Optilase, we have helped over 10,000 patients reclaim their vision with the most affordable PRK laser eye surgery in Perth and Western Australia. Our patients are very satisfied with their treatment for hyperopia and report improved vision quality and confidence after PRK surgery.

During PRK surgery, Dr Bill Ward will remove the top layer of your cornea (called the epithelium) and use a special laser (called an excimer laser) to sculpt the underlying layers of your cornea according to your prescription. The excimer laser uses beams to vaporise tiny amounts of tissue from your cornea without damaging the surrounding areas. The result creates a smoother, flatter corneal surface that can better focus light on your retina, helping up-close objects appear less blurry.

At Optilase, the PRK laser eye procedure to correct hyperopia usually takes less than 30 seconds per eye. After your surgery, you may experience minor discomfort, light sensitivity, or blurred vision for a few days, but these are normal and temporary side effects. You will need to use the prescribed eye drops, apply a gel eye mask to ease inflammation and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes against light sensitivity. You will also need to avoid rubbing or touching your eyes, swimming, or wearing makeup for at least a week after PRK surgery. You will notice an improvement in your vision within a few days after PRK surgery, but it may take several weeks or months for your vision to stabilise completely.

PRK laser surgery is a very safe and highly effective procedure to correct long-sightedness. However, like any surgery, and depending on the severity of your hyperopia, you may have some minor side effects. 

• Discomfort: You may experience some minor discomfort in your eyes for a few days after PRK surgery. This is normal and expected, as your epithelium is exposed to the air and the laser. We will prescribe pain medication and encourage using cold compresses or a gel eye mask to soothe your eyes.
• Light sensitivity: You may experience light sensitivity for up to three days. Depending on your age, severity of your condition, and lifestyle, some individuals can experience light sensitivity for several months. Coping with light sensitivity discomfort is made easier by wearing sunglasses, which can help manage the condition.
• Inflammation: Like many surgical procedures, you will experience eye inflammation after PRK surgery, with the risk of infection being extremely rare. Rest assured, you will receive prescribed antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory eye drops to ease inflammation and promote a speedy recovery! It’s crucial to follow recovery instructions carefully and avoid rubbing or touching your eyes, wearing makeup, swimming, or strenuous activities for a few weeks after surgery.

To prepare for PRK surgery, you must have a comprehensive eye exam and consultation with us to measure your refractive error, pupil size, corneal shape, and thickness. We will also review your medical history and discuss your expectations and goals with you. Explore our PRK recovery and aftercare information for a better insight into what to expect after PRK laser eye surgery.

At Optilase, we offer laser eye surgery for long-sightedness at a fixed cost of only $1,750 per eye! We proudly offer laser eye surgery in Perth and Peel at the lowest possible price without compromising quality or standards. With the safest and most cutting-edge technology, our PRK laser eye surgery allows you to attain the freedom of clear vision without glasses or contacts.

Optilase is the leading laser eye clinic in Perth and Peel, providing Australia’s most affordable and effective PRK laser eye surgery in Perth at only $1,750 per eye. With over 30 years of experience performing laser eye surgeries, husband-and-wife duo Dr. Bill and Kimberly Ward have helped their patients achieve their vision goals through their professional, warm, and caring approach. If you’re interested in learning more about PRK laser eye surgery for long-sightedness, you can explore our FAQs or make an appointment.