What is the medical term for farsightedness?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: March 9, 2026 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Medical Term for Farsightedness

The medical term for farsightedness is hyperopia. 1

Definition and Optical Mechanism

Hyperopia is a refractive error (ametropia) in which parallel light rays from distant objects converge incompletely before striking the retina 1. In simpler terms, the focal point falls behind the retina rather than directly on it, resulting in blurred vision, particularly for near objects.

Clinical Classification

The severity of hyperopia is categorized based on diopter measurements 1:

  • Low to moderate hyperopia: Less than 3.00 diopters (D)
  • High hyperopia: 3.00 D or more

Important Clinical Context

While hyperopia is the standard medical terminology, you may encounter related terms in clinical practice:

  • Nanophthalmos: An extreme form of hyperopia (refractive error +8.00 to +25.00 diopters) caused by insufficient axial eye growth, where the cornea and lens are positioned too close to the retina 2
  • Presbyopia: Often confused with hyperopia by patients, but this is an age-related condition affecting near accommodation rather than a true refractive error 1

Key Distinction

Presbyopia develops with aging and causes difficulty with near work even when distance vision is fully corrected, whereas hyperopia is present throughout life and affects the eye's baseline refractive state 1.

References

2
Research

Extreme hyperopia is the result of null mutations in MFRP, which encodes a Frizzled-related protein.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2005

Related Questions

What are the key principles of pre‑operative assessment and the recommended approach to common post‑operative complications according to Canadian guidelines?
In a patient with a one‑year history of dyspnea, orthopnea requiring two pillows, waking from sleep with air hunger (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea), a clear chest radiograph, denial of snoring or witnessed apneas, and decreased breath sounds on the right side, what is the most likely diagnosis?
In a 15‑year‑old male with persistent left lower‑quadrant abdominal tenderness and bruising, right‑sided back pain radiating to the ribs, and new left great‑toe stabbing pain with tingling after a recent appendectomy, what imaging studies and medical management are indicated?
How should a 24‑week pregnant woman with an 18‑lb weight gain be evaluated and managed?
How should a 23-year-old male presenting with dysuria and urethral discharge be evaluated and treated?
What are desmoid tumors?
Is it safe to use lorazepam continuously for six months to treat anxiety?
How should tirzepatide be initiated in an adult with type 2 diabetes who is overweight or obese and has established cardiovascular disease, including dosing schedule, contraindications, monitoring, and alternative options if it is not tolerated?
How should early‑morning vomiting that awakens a patient from sleep be evaluated and treated?
Create a complete medication list with dosing instructions and refill information for the patient’s prescribed drugs: anastrozole 1 mg tablet weekly, atorvastatin 10 mg tablet at bedtime daily, bupropion HCl extended‑release 150 mg tablet (three tablets) at bedtime, cyanocobalamin (vitamin B‑12) 1,000 µg/mL injection monthly, dutasteride 0.5 mg capsule daily, metformin 500 mg tablet twice daily, omega‑3‑acid ethyl ester 900 mg, pantoprazole (Protonix) 40 mg delayed‑release granules, testosterone cypionate 200 mg/mL oil injection weekly (250 mg), vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) 1,250 µg capsule, and wellbutrin XL (bupropion HCl) 300 mg tablet.
What is the appropriate oral fluconazole dosing regimen for a patient with a urological malignancy?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question