Back
Print 

Farsightedness

Skip Navigation

Top of the page

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: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.