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Farsightedness, also called hyperopia, is the inability of the eye to focus on nearby objects and sometimes on distant objects also. This occurs because the light entering the eye is focused behind the retina instead of directly on it.
Farsightedness occurs when an eye is too short lengthwise, the cornea is not curved enough, or the lens sits farther back in the eye than normal.
Eyeglasses or contact lenses are used most often to correct farsightedness. In some cases surgery can improve vision.
Current as of: January 24, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine & Christopher J. Rudnisky MD, MPH, FRCSC - Ophthalmology
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