Farsightedness (Hyperopia)

Farsightedness (Hyperopia)

Cross sections of the eye for normal vision and for farsightedness.

Farsightedness, also called hyperopia, means that the eye can't focus on nearby objects. This is because the eye is too short or the cornea is too flat. In some cases of hyperopia, the eye can't focus on distant objects either. A person has hyperopia when light entering the eye is focused (called the focal point) behind the retina instead of directly on the retina.

Current as of: October 12, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Christopher J. Rudnisky MD, MPH, FRCSC - Ophthalmology