Farsightedness (hyperopia)

Normal vision, with focal point at retina with all objects in focus, compared to farsightedness, with focal point behind retina and far objects in focus.

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: June 5, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.