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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

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