hyperopia
Pronunciation: hy-per-OH-pee-ah
Refractive error where light focuses behind the retina, commonly called farsightedness, often accommodated in young children.
Full Definition
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a refractive error in which parallel light rays focus behind the retina when accommodation is relaxed. In children, mild to moderate hyperopia is often asymptomatic because their strong accommodative ability allows them to maintain clear vision at distance and near. However, high hyperopia can lead to accommodative esotropia, amblyopia, or asthenopic symptoms including headaches and eye strain. Accurate diagnosis requires cycloplegic refraction to prevent accommodation from masking the true refractive error. Treatment with corrective lenses is indicated when hyperopia causes symptoms, strabismus, or amblyopia, or when it exceeds age-appropriate norms.
Usage
Usage note: Preferred term over 'hypermetropia' in contemporary practice; 'farsightedness' acceptable in patient education.
In Context
- "The child's +4.00D hyperopia was successfully corrected with spectacles, resolving the accommodative esotropia." — treatment outcome report
- "Moderate hyperopia in preschool children may go undetected without cycloplegic refraction due to accommodative masking." — clinical guidelines