Hyperopia

What Is Hyperopia? 

Hyperopia, also called “farsightedness,” is a refractive error that leaves people with an inability to see clearly close-up.1 This is caused by the eye being too short from front to back, or because there are complications with the shape of the cornea or lens.2 Typical symptoms can include ocular fatigue, headaches, squinting, and poor vision.3,4

 The National Eye Institute, a division of the National Institutes of Health, predicts about 23 million people will have hyperopia by 2050, up from just under 20 million in 2030.1 The disorder affects more women than men and has increasing prevalence rates associated with increasing age.1

 In addition to difficulty seeing up close, people with hyperopia often complain about eye strain and headaches (especially when reading).2

Current Treatment Options 

The most common treatments are eyeglasses or contact lenses but may also include refractive surgery.2 As the hyperopia worsens, glasses and contact lens prescriptions need to be updated and symptoms of ocular fatigue and headaches can increase. Surgery is an invasive and costly option that patients can explore.  There are no current pharmacologic treatments to address the signs and symptoms of hyperopia.

Our NVK033 Program 

Vyluma is developing NVK033, a novel topical eye drop that temporarily improves the ability to see up close while simultaneously preserving distance vision and reducing the symptoms associated with hyperopia.  

  1. Farsightedness (hyperopia) data and statistics. National Eye Institute. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/resources-for-health-educators/eye-health-data-and-statistics/farsightedness-hyperopia-data-and-statistics. Updated July 17, 2019. Accessed May 27, 2021.  
  2. Farsightedness (hyperopia). National Eye Institute. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/farsightedness-hyperopia. Updated September 8, 2020. Accessed May 27, 2021.  
  3. Hyperopia. Taber’s Medical Dictionary. https://www.tabers.com/tabersonline/view/Tabers-Dictionary/736628/all/hyperopia?q=hyperopia. Accessed May 27, 2021.  
  4. Boyd K. Farsightedness: hyperopia symptoms. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/hyperopia-farsightedness-symptoms. Published March 10, 2014. Accessed May 27, 2021.  
  5. Margines JB, Huang C, Young A, Mehravaran S, Yu F, Mondino BJ, Coleman AL. Refractive errors and amblyopia among children screened by the UCLA Preschool Vision Program in Los Angeles County. Am J Ophthalmol 2020;210:78-85.