Farsightedness
Farsightedness
Farsightedness, also known as hyperopia (pronounced: hi-per-OH-pee-uh), is a common type of refractive error where distant objects may be seen more clearly than objects that are near.
Etymology
The term "farsightedness" is derived from the English words "far" and "sight", indicating the condition's effect on vision. The term "hyperopia" comes from the Greek words "hyper" (over) and "ops" (eye), suggesting an over curvature of the eye.
Definition
Farsightedness is a condition of the eye where the light that comes in does not directly focus on the retina but behind it, sometimes due to the flatness of the cornea or the length of the eyeball. This defect of vision causes difficulty focusing on near objects, and in extreme cases, causes a blur in the vision, headache, and strain on the eye.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of farsightedness include difficulty in concentrating and maintaining a clear focus on near objects, eye strain, fatigue and/or headaches after close work, aching or burning eyes, irritability or nervousness after sustained concentration.
Causes
Farsightedness is often present from birth and tends to run in families. It occurs when the eyeball is too short or the cornea has too little curvature, so light entering the eye is not focused correctly.
Treatment
Treatment for farsightedness may include prescription glasses or contact lenses that correct for the specific degree of farsightedness. In some cases, people may choose to correct the condition with refractive surgery.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Farsightedness
- Wikipedia's article - Farsightedness
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