Hyperopia

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˌhaɪpəˈroʊpiə/

Definitions

• Hyperopia: A refractive error of the eye, also known as farsightedness, in which distant objects can be seen more clearly than nearby objects.
• Hyperopia: A condition where the light entering the eye is focused behind the retina, resulting in difficulty seeing close objects clearly.

Usage Examples

• She was diagnosed with hyperopia after struggling to read small print without glasses.
• People with hyperopia may experience eye strain when doing tasks that require close-up focus, such as reading or sewing.
• He wears corrective lenses to manage his hyperopia, allowing him to focus on objects at all distances.

Etymology

The word "hyperopia" is derived from the Greek words "hyper" meaning "over" or "beyond," and "opsis" meaning "sight" or "view," referring to the condition of seeing distant objects more clearly than near ones.

Synonyms

• Farsightedness
• Long-sightedness

Antonyms

• Myopia
• Nearsightedness

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

While the pronunciation of "hyperopia" tends to remain consistent across English-speaking regions, slight differences can occur in emphasis, particularly in non-native English regions where phonetic rules influence the stress placed on syllables.

Historical Usage

The term "hyperopia" has been used since the 19th century to describe farsightedness. Its usage became widespread as advancements in ophthalmology and optics helped understand and correct the condition through glasses and later, refractive surgeries like LASIK.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, farsightedness or hyperopia is seen as a natural part of aging, as many people develop the condition as they grow older. However, it can also be present from a young age, often undiagnosed, affecting a person's ability to perform close-up tasks.

More Information

Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a common condition where a person can see distant objects clearly, but nearby objects may appear blurry. The condition occurs when the eyeball is too short or the cornea has too little curvature, causing light entering the eye to focus behind the retina. This can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses that help focus light properly onto the retina. In some cases, refractive surgery may also be an option. Early detection and correction are essential to prevent eye strain and discomfort associated with hyperopia.