Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) Practice Exam 2025

Nearsightedness is to myopia, as farsightedness is to what condition?

1. Astigmatism

2. Presbyopia

3. Hyperopia

4. Emmetropia

The correct answer is: Hyperopia

The correct response is hyperopia, which is the medical term for farsightedness. Farsightedness occurs when distant objects may be seen clearly, but nearby objects can be blurry due to the light entering the eye being focused behind the retina. This condition is essentially the opposite of myopia, or nearsightedness, where nearby objects are clear, and distant objects are not. Understanding the relationship between these terms is key. Just as myopia describes issues with seeing at a distance, hyperopia specifically describes difficulties with near vision. Astigmatism relates to irregularities in the shape of the cornea or lens, leading to blurred vision at any distance, rather than being specifically linked to distance or near vision. Presbyopia is an age-related condition where the eye's ability to focus on close objects diminishes, typically occurring around the age of 40, but it is not synonymous with hyperopia. Emmetropia is a state where vision is normal and no corrective lenses are required. Therefore, hyperopia is the most appropriate term to relate to farsightedness in the same way myopia relates to nearsightedness.