The ability to see distance objects clearly while near objects are blurred.

More properly called "hypermetropia", hyperopia is caused by shortening of the eyeball, which causes light entering the eye to "overshoot" the retina (back of the eye), resulting in an inability to focus properly on objects near at hand.

Hyperopia is one of three types of refractive error: the two types of spherical refractive error, hyperopia and myopia (these are mutually exclusive - you are either one or the other) and cylindrical refractive error, called astigmatism.

Correcting hyperopia with laser eye surgery is a different and considerably less predictable process than correcting myopia. In hyperopic procedures it is necessary to steepen the cornea by lasering primarily the peripheral part of the cornea (eg roughly a doughnut profile). Hyperopic LASIK is associated with much higher enhancement rates and possibly lower patient satisfaction.

Are you hyperopic or myopic? You will know by your prescription. A "plus" prescription is for hyperopia, while a "minus" prescription is for myopia.

EXCEPTION: Sometimes people confuse presbyopia with hyperopia, because patients who are presbyopic can no longer see clearly close up and typically require reading glasses ("plus" lenses) or a plus "ADD" to their prescription for myopia. Using plus lenses for reading only does not mean that you are hyperopic, but it does mean that you are presbyopic.

cylinder

myopia

refractive error

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