The word "hyperopia", referring to a condition in which distant objects are seen more clearly than those nearby, is written with the letter combination "h-y-p-e-r-o-p-i-a". It is pronounced /haɪpəˈroʊpiə/, with the stress on the second syllable. In this word, the "h" is silent, and the "y" is pronounced as a short "i". The "o" in "hyper" pronounced as a schwa sound, while the second "o" in "pia" is pronounced as a long "e". The letter "a" at the end is pronounced as a schwa sound.
Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, is a common refractive eye condition characterized by the ability to see objects clearly at a distance but having difficulty focusing on close-up objects. It is caused by an abnormal shape of the eyeball or an irregularity in the cornea, resulting in light rays entering the eye not converging properly on the retina.
In a normal eye, light rays bend (refract) to focus directly on the retina, resulting in clear vision. However, in hyperopia, the eyeball may be shorter than normal or the cornea may be too flat, causing the light to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurred vision when attempting to see nearby objects, such as when reading or using a computer.
Individuals with hyperopia typically experience symptoms including eye strain, squinting, headaches, and blurred vision when focusing on close objects. These symptoms can be particularly noticeable during activities that require near vision, such as reading, writing, or sewing. However, distant objects are generally seen more clearly.
Hyperopia is a condition that can be corrected using eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. Eyeglasses with convex lenses are used to redirect the incoming light rays, allowing them to converge properly on the retina. Similarly, contact lenses can also alter the path of light and bring it into focus on the retina. Refractive surgical procedures aim to reshape the cornea, allowing light to properly focus on the retina without the need for corrective lenses.
It is important to have regular eye check-ups, especially if experiencing symptoms of hyperopia, as it can lead to eye strain and impact daily activities if left uncorrected.
Hypermetropia, long-sightedness; a condition in which, in consequence of an error in refraction or flattening of the globe of the eye, parallel rays are focussed behind the retina.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "hyperopia" is derived from the Ancient Greek words "hyper" (ὑπέρ), meaning "beyond" or "over", and "ōps" (ὤψ), meaning "eye" or "sight". Thus, the term "hyperopia" literally translates to "beyond the eye" or "overseeing". This name was given due to the characteristic of people with hyperopia being able to see distant objects more clearly than nearby objects.