Far sightedness, also known as hyperopia, is a visual condition where distant objects can be seen clearly, but objects up close appear blurry. The spelling of this word is represented in IPA as /fɑr ˈsaɪtɪdnəs/. The first syllable, "far," is pronounced with a long "a" sound as in "car." The second syllable, "sight," has a short "i" sound as in "bit." The last syllable, "edness," is pronounced with a schwa sound as in "uh." Together, these syllables create the pronunciation of "far sightedness."
Far-sightedness, also known as hyperopia or hypermetropia, is a common refractive error that affects the focusing ability of the eye, making it difficult to see close objects clearly. It is characterized by a condition where light entering the eye focuses behind the retina, rather than directly on it.
Individuals with far-sightedness tend to experience blurred vision when looking at nearby objects, such as reading a book or using a mobile phone. However, their distance vision remains relatively clear. This occurs due to an abnormal shape of the eyeball or the cornea, leading to the light rays bending improperly.
The degree of far-sightedness varies among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. While some people may have a slight difficulty, others may find it challenging to focus on any nearby objects. Common symptoms of far-sightedness include eyestrain, headaches, squinting, and sore or burning eyes.
To correct far-sightedness, individuals often require prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. These corrective lenses help to shift the focal point of the light rays onto the retina, allowing clear vision for both near and far objects. In some cases, refractive surgery may be recommended to reshape the cornea and improve vision.
It is important for individuals to have regular eye examinations to detect and manage far-sightedness early, especially in children, as untreated hyperopia can lead to visual impairment and other eye problems if left uncorrected.
The word "far" in "far-sightedness" originates from the Old English word "feor", meaning "distant" or "far". It is related to the Dutch word "ver" and the German word "fern". The term "sightedness" comes from the Old English word "sihð", which means "sight" or "seeing". Therefore, "far-sightedness" refers to the ability to see things clearly at a distance while having difficulties with near vision.