What condition does hyperopia refer to?

Hyperopia, commonly known as farsightedness, refers to the condition in which distant objects can be seen more clearly than those that are nearby. This occurs when the eye is shorter than normal or when the cornea (the front part of the eye) is not curved enough, causing light entering the eye to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it. As a result, individuals with hyperopia often experience difficulty focusing on close objects, leading to blurred vision when reading or doing other activities requiring up-close focus.

This condition can typically be corrected with glasses or contact lenses that help to focus light correctly onto the retina. Thus, the ability to see farther away better than near objects is the defining characteristic of hyperopia, confirming the accuracy of the chosen answer.