Hypermetrope is a word that refers to someone who has hypermetropia or farsightedness. It is spelled "hahy-per-me-trohp" with the IPA phonetic transcription /ˌhaɪpərˈmɛtrəʊp/. This word is derived from the Greek words "hyper-" meaning "over," "beyond," or "above," and "metron" meaning "measure." The suffix "-ope" is added to indicate the person who has this refractive error. Despite its complex spelling and pronunciation, hypermetrope is a common term in optometry and ophthalmology to describe individuals who have difficulty seeing objects up close.
A hypermetrope, also known as a hyperopic individual or having hyperopia, is a term used in the field of optics and ophthalmology to describe a condition where a person can see distant objects more clearly than those at close range. In simpler terms, a hypermetrope has difficulty focusing on objects that are near to them, resulting in blurry vision when reading, using electronic devices, or performing any tasks that require close visual attention.
Hypermetropia occurs due to an anomaly in the shape of the eyeball or the lens, causing light to converge incorrectly behind the retina instead of precisely on it. As a result, the eye is unable to bring objects into proper focus, leading to images appearing blurred or out of focus when viewing things up close. This condition is different from myopia (nearsightedness), which affects individuals' ability to see distant objects clearly.
Typical symptoms of hypermetropia include eyestrain, headaches, squinting, tiredness, and difficulty with tasks involving near vision. To correct hypermetropia, individuals may require corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses with convex lenses, which help to refocus light and bring the images into clearer view. In some cases, refractive surgery may be an option to reshape the cornea and correct hypermetropia permanently.
It is crucial for individuals experiencing symptoms of hypermetropia to consult with an optometrist or ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye examination and appropriate treatment options to improve their visual acuity.
One suffering from hypermetropia, hyperope.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "hypermetrope" is derived from Greek roots.
The term "hyper" in Greek means "beyond" or "excessive", while "metron" means "measure". In the context of vision, "metron" refers to the measurement of visual acuity. So, "hypermetron" literally means "beyond measure".
The suffix "-ope" is derived from the Greek word "ops", which means "eye" or "sight". Combining "hypermetron" with the suffix "-ope" gives us "hypermetrope", which refers to a person who has hypermetropia or hyperopia, commonly known as farsightedness.