Total hyperopia is a medical condition that causes difficulty in focusing on nearby objects. It is spelled as /təʊtəl haɪpəˈrəʊpiə/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet. The word consists of two parts, "total" which means absolute and complete, and "hyperopia" which refers to far-sightedness. The letter "h" is silent, and the stress falls on the third syllable. Knowing the correct spelling and pronunciation of medical terms is essential for effective communication between healthcare professionals and patients.
Total hyperopia, also known as hypermetropia or farsightedness, is a common refractive error in which an individual experiences difficulty focusing on nearby objects, while objects in the distance appear clearer. It occurs when the eyeball is shorter than normal or the cornea has a relatively flat shape, leading to light entering the eye being focused behind the retina instead of directly on it.
In total hyperopia, the individual's eye has insufficient focusing power, causing incoming light rays to form an image behind the retina, resulting in blurred vision for close-up objects. This condition can lead to symptoms like eyestrain, headaches, fatigue, and difficulty with activities such as reading, writing, or using electronic devices at a close distance.
Total hyperopia is commonly corrected using converging lenses, which help bend light rays and bring their focus forward onto the retina. These corrective lenses, either in the form of glasses or contact lenses, compensate for the lack of focusing power of the eye, allowing for clear vision at all distances.
Early detection and correction of total hyperopia are crucial to prevent potential complications such as amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed or misaligned eyes). Regular eye examinations by an optometrist or ophthalmologist are recommended to assess the severity of hyperopia and determine the most suitable corrective measures.
That which can be determined after complete paralysis of accommodation by means of a cycloplegic.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "total hyperopia" is not commonly used in the field of ophthalmology or optometry to refer to a specific condition. However, if we break down the etymology of the individual words, we can gain an understanding of their origins:
1. Total: The word "total" comes from the Latin "totalis", meaning "whole" or "complete". It refers to the entirety or the sum of something.
2. Hyperopia: Hyperopia is a condition commonly known as "farsightedness" or "long-sightedness". The term "hyperopia" derives from the Greek words "hyper", meaning "beyond" or "over", and "ops", meaning "eye". Therefore, hyperopia describes a visual condition in which individuals have difficulty focusing on nearby objects but can see distant objects clearly.