Symptoms

Farsightedness may mean:

• Nearby objects may appear blurry
• You need to squint to see clearly
• You have eyestrain, including burning eyes, and aching in or around the eyes
• You have general eye discomfort or a headache after doing close tasks, such as reading, writing, computer work or drawing, for a time

When to see a doctor

If your degree of farsightedness is pronounced enough that you can't perform a task as well as you wish, or if your quality of vision detracts from your enjoyment of activities, see an eye doctor. He or she can determine the degree of your farsightedness and advise you of options to correct your vision.

Since it may not always be readily apparent that you're having trouble with your vision, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends the following intervals for regular eye exams:

Adults

If you're at high risk of certain eye diseases, such as glaucoma, get a dilated eye exam every one to two years, starting at age 40.

If you don't wear glasses or contacts, have no symptoms of eye trouble, and are at a low risk of developing eye diseases, such as glaucoma, get an eye exam at the following intervals:

• An initial exam at 40
• Every two to four years between ages 40 and 54
• Every one to three years between ages 55 and 64
• Every one to two years beginning at age 65

If you wear glasses or contacts or you have a health condition that affects the eyes, such as diabetes, you'll likely need to have your eyes checked regularly. Ask your eye doctor how frequently you need to schedule your appointments. But, if you notice problems with your vision, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible, even if you've recently had an eye exam. Blurred vision, for example, may suggest you need a prescription change, or it could be a sign of another problem.

Children and adolescents

Children need to be screened for eye disease and have their vision tested by a pediatrician, an ophthalmologist, an optometrist or another trained screener at the following ages and intervals.

• Age 6 months
• Age 3 years
• Before first grade and every two years during school years, at well-child visits, or through school or public screenings