What does hyperopic mean?
Hyperopic describes a condition of eyesight in which distant objects are perceived more clearly than nearby ones. The condition results from the eye's focusing system being suited to distance rather than near vision, and it is commonly associated with the need for reading glasses or other corrective lenses. In general conversation, “farsighted” is more readily understood, while “hyperopic” is especially common in clinical and technical writing about vision. Hyperopia should not be confused with myopia, its opposite condition, in which nearby objects are clearer than distant ones. It also differs from presbyopia, the age-related weakening of the eye's ability to focus on nearby objects. Although both conditions can produce blurred near vision, their causes are distinct, and the word “hyperopic” identifies the refractive condition itself.
adjectiveHyperopic means affected by hyperopia, a refractive condition in which distant objects are seen more clearly than nearby ones.
- Affected by or relating to hyperopia; having clearer vision for distant objects than for nearby objects.
"The optician explained that her hyperopic eyesight could be corrected with reading glasses."
"He became hyperopic in his twenties and began wearing glasses for reading."
"The clinician used a hyperopic lens to bring the nearby test chart into focus."
Hyperopia puts the focus in the distance: the eye's trouble is not that it cannot see afar, but that nearby objects come out blurred.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hyperopic come from?
“Hyperopic” comes from the adjective “hyperopic,” which was formed from “hyperopia.” The latter is New Latin, built from the Greek hýper, meaning “over” or “beyond,” and óps, meaning “eye,” in an expression associated with the eye focusing beyond near objects. The same Greek prefix hýper underlies cognates and derivatives such as “hyperbole” and “hypertension,” although it has very different meanings in those words.
How hyperopic is actually used
This is a technical term used especially in optometry, ophthalmology, and vision science. In general use, “farsighted” is more familiar. The corresponding noun is “hyperopia,” while “hyperope” refers to a person with hyperopia.
Easily confused with hyperopic
A hyperopic person sees distant objects more clearly than nearby ones, whereas a myopic person sees nearby objects more clearly than distant ones.
Hyperopia is a refractive error that can occur at any age, while presbyopia is age-related loss of near focusing ability.