Illinois Vision Certification Practice Test

Which term is synonymous with farsightedness?

1. Astigmatism

2. Hyperopia

3. Myopia

4. Strabismus

The correct answer is: Hyperopia

Farsightedness is a common vision condition that makes it difficult to see objects clearly up close while distance vision may remain intact or be relatively clear. The term that is synonymous with farsightedness is hyperopia. Hyperopia occurs when the eye is shorter than normal or when the cornea has too little curvature, which causes light rays to focus behind the retina. People with hyperopia may experience eye strain or difficulty reading and performing tasks that require close vision, especially as they age. Astigmatism refers to an imperfection in the curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, leading to blurred vision at all distances. Myopia, or nearsightedness, is the condition where people have difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, contrasting sharply with hyperopia. Strabismus is a condition in which the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object, which also does not relate directly to the optical properties of hyperopia. Thus, hyperopia is the correct term associated with farsightedness.