Hypermetropia is most commonly known as long-sightedness or far-sightedness. If a person is long-sighted then they can see things at a distance much better than they can see objects which are close to them. They may be able to view television with no trouble, but struggle to focus on a book or photograph they are looking at closely. Commonly, people who suffer from hypermetropia need to use glasses to stop themselves from straining their eyes and suffering from headaches. Hypermetropia is common in childhood. Due to their smaller than normal eyes, they are particularly susceptible to being long-sighted. In most cases, they grow out of it as their eyes get bigger. What causes Hypermetropia? For a person to see clearly, light must be focused to a point at the back of the eye, called the fovea, a part of the retina. If an eye is hypermetropic then it can usually focus the light from far away objects directly into the retina. This results in these objects being seen clearly. Unfortunately, hypermetropic eyes struggle to do the same with objects that are close to them. Usually, because of the size of the eye, rather than focusing the light from near objects accurately onto the fovea, the light is focused at a point behind the retina. This results in blurred vision because the light is still disjointed and unfocused at the point at which it reaches the fovea. There are several different ways to treat hypermetropia. The point of focus for objects which are close depends on the relationship between the length of the eye and the strength of the cornea. The length of the eye is a difficult thing to adjust. However, we can adjust the strength of the cornea. The cornea is responsible for up to 80% of the eye’s ability to fine focus. This means that we can achieve excellent results by adjusting the strength of the lens or enhancing its function. This adjustment can be achieved through several different means. We can offer a variety of treatments that can correct long-sightedness. These treatments are usually most suitable for adults between the age of 40 and 60. Between these ages, the eye’s lens naturally begins to lose its flexibility. This loss of flexibility means that the eye’s ability to switch focus becomes increasingly impaired. This process is usually referred to as presbyopia, but the treatments are very similar to hypermetropia. Treatments Laser SurgeryLaser eye surgery is a common treatment for both presbyopia and hypermetropia. This involves using lasers to adjust the focusing ability of the cornea. The best way to find out if you are eligible for laser eye surgery, or whether it is the best option for you, is to go and see one of our eye-care specialists. LASIK eye surgery involves gaining access to and then reshaping the cornea. A small flap is cut on the surface of the cornea so that the cornea can be carefully reshaped. This form of surgery is highly effective in treating cases of both mild degrees of hypermetropia and a moderate degree of myopia.Conductive KeratoplastyConductive keratoplasty (CK) which works in a very similar way to LASIK surgery reshapes the cornea by using high-frequency radio waves, restoring near vision. Unlike LASIK, CK is not laser-based. During the CK procedure, your eye surgeon uses a hand-held instrument with a tiny probe (smaller than human hair) to apply low-level, radio frequency (RF) energy to specific spots that form a circular pattern on the outer part of the cornea. Corneal tissues as a result shrink, causing the circular band to act like a belt that “tightens” and steepens the cornea. This change in the curvature of the eye’s surface affects the way light rays enter the eye to bring near vision back into focus.Phakic LensesPhakic Intraocular Lenses offer very good results without the same hassle and maintenance as contact lenses or even glasses. They are also highly effective in treating extreme cases of hypermetropia. The treatment involves implanting an artificial lens inside the eye which improves the refraction of light. These lenses are improving all the time and producing increasingly promising results.Refractive Lens ExchangeHere the natural crystalline lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial lens implant, which may be monofocal, multifocal or accommodative, to correct refraction errors. RLE is fundamentally the same as cataract surgery, other than your natural lens is still clear and in cataracts this lens becomes cloudy. RLE is performed primarily to change the refractive properties of the eye, to enable good clear vision without the use of spectacle correction.There are several lenses available: Light Adjustable LensAccommodative Lenses (Crystals AO)Multifocal Lenses If you have been affected by any of the symptoms mentioned above, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Click on the links below for more information on these conditions. MyopiaAstigmatismPresbyopia Patient Testimonials Superb I just had my cataract surgery at CHEC. Despite my nerves, the staff were reassuring and made me feel comfortable. The surgery was quick, I was kept informed at every stage which was great. I cannot recommend CHEC highly enough. Gill Couldn’t fault them As soon as I arrived, I was made to feel at ease. All staff were friendly but professional, they couldn’t have been any better. I now have no fear in returning to continue my treatment. Linda S Excellent practice This was my first visit to CHEC, the Reception staff were extremely helpful and polite. All the other staff were very pleasant and made you feel welcome to be there, credit to you all. Linda James Lovely Staff Welcoming, friendly, attentive, efficient, and above all, patient. Having my eyes tested at this practice provided excellent service at a time when one might wonder why these tests are necessary. Thanks to the staff I met today. Kevin Johnson Absolutely brilliantly at Ilford The staff at Ilford were excellent. The nurses explained my procedure step by step, and when I met with the doctor, they were very welcoming and made me feel comfortable. Thank you so much. Barbara Murphy Friendly staff at Ilford Clinic The staff are all very friendly, very kind and very smiley. I had a good experience, and I would definitely recommend Ilford practice to friends and family. Raahim Fantastic service I had my second cataract procedure at CHEC in Blackpool today. Once again l was impressed by the kindness, helpfulness, good humour, and professionalism of everybody who works there. Thank you. Graham Jones Amazing experience I had a laser capsulotomy treatment in Stevenage on Monday 26th February. I was in and out of the treatment centre in under 10 minutes. All instructions were easy to follow with astonishing results. Well-done and thank you. S Frost Great and very patient focused The staff were brilliant at each stage which made the entire process calming, from consultation through to the surgery. The receptionists were fantastic. Kim All very professional and competent! I found the whole process to be highly professional and competent and would therefore recommend this organisation without reservation to anyone who needs cataract surgery. Nigel Morgan Wonderful stress-free experience I was made to feel relaxed from the moment we arrived by all the amazing staff. I wish other medical institutions were like this. Thank you. K.R. Great practice All the staff were attentive, polite and friendly. They listened to my individual needs and took great care of me. Mary Dyas Efficient service Really quick referral and appointment at CHEC Stockport. Lovely staff. Efficient and timely appropriate medical care. Responsive follow up. Premises are really clean and a pleasant experience at a worrying time of a health issue involving eyesight. Excellent care thank you! Richard Very pleased I am very pleased with the service at CHEC, it is absolutely first-class. From the receptionists, the way I was treated and having the operation done was good. Since having the operation my vision has been very good. Anonymous Fantastic experience The whole process has been very fast and exceeded my expectations. The staff are all very friendly and professional. I am very pleased with CHEC Northampton. Anonymous Great practice I’m amazed by the quick, efficient service and ecstatic about the results. I now see car number plates, road signs, and TV text bright and clearly, with everything appearing detailed. This is the best birthday present ever. Thank you so much, please don’t change a thing. Marian Curran