In opposition to short-sightedness stands far-sightedness – also referred to as “hyperopia”. With this defective vision, objects that are close by, cannot be seen clearly. In analogy to myopia, hyperopia can be explained by a too short eyeball. The farsighted eye is too short in relation to the refractive power. The focal point here is located behind the retina, which means that the refractive power is proportionally too weak.
Through the lens of the eye, we have the ability to adjust our focus by increasing its convexity. This acts in a similar way to the camera’s mechanism, which can focus on near and far objects. This adjustment is known as “accommodation”.
Accommodation provides us with the ability to move the light beam that lies behind the retina forward onto the retina. This can compensate the error, allowing the farsighted person to see sharply both at distance and near. Since the eye can only compensate to a certain degree which leads to eye strain, visual aid is required.
There are the same options for correcting hyperopia as there are for short-sightedness. The main difference is that the lenses refocus the light. This is achieved with the help of glasses or a lens with plus effect (converging lens).
The causes of farsightedness are also the same as those of short-sightedness. Farsightedness is either inherited or acquired through pathological conditions.
