Is nearsightedness another term for hyperopia?

Nearsightedness is not another term for hyperopia; rather, it refers specifically to myopia, a condition where distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly. Hyperopia, on the other hand, is the medical term for farsightedness, which means difficulty in seeing nearby objects clearly.

Understanding the definitions of these terms is crucial for recognizing the unique characteristics of each refractive error. Myopia typically occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea has too much curvature, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina. Conversely, hyperopia usually results from a shorter eyeball or a flatter cornea, leading light rays to focus behind the retina.

Knowing the distinctions between these conditions is important for proper diagnosis and treatment in vision care. Therefore, stating that nearsightedness is synonymous with hyperopia is incorrect.