Farsightedness (Hyperopia)

Picture of eye cross sections for normal vision and for farsightedness

Farsightedness, also called hyperopia, means that the eye cannot 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 cannot 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.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, MPH, FRCSC - Ophthalmology
Last Revised	May 11, 2012

Last Revised: May 11, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

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

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org