A normal eye will focus the image on the Retina

A farsighted eye will focus the image behind the Retina

The cornea and the lens work together to properly focus visual images on the retina (the back surface of the eye). If an image is out of focus, it is typically because the overall shape of the eye is incorrect or the cornea does not have the proper curvature. Farsightedness or hyperopia occurs when the eye is too short or the cornea is too flat. When this happens, visual images are focused behind the retina.

In general, a person with hyperopia is able to see objects at a distance, but has trouble with objects up close, like books or newspapers. However, patients with moderate or severe hyperopia will not be able to see distance or near without glasses. Many people are not diagnosed with hyperopia without a complete eye exam. School screenings typically do not discover this condition because they test only for distance vision.

Treatment includes contact lenses or glasses which correct for near vision. Corrective lenses should be worn for near tasks, such as reading, and in some cases, need to be worn full time.