Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is frequently characterized by the blurring of nearby objects, while still being able to see clearly in the distance.

Hyperopia is a refractive error of the eye that affects men and women alike. However, it is not as common as myopia (nearsightedness). It is generally caused by an eyeball that is too short. Because the eye is too short, light gets focused on a point behind the retina, causing objects up close to appear blurry. Another cause can be that the eye ball is too flat and refracts light too weakly, again causing the light to wind up behind the retina.

Hyperopia is usually present from birth, but since children have very flexible eyes, they can usually accommodate the problem without glasses. Often, children outgrow the condition.

Once a person has been diagnosed, regular eye exams are essential. Prescription may change, meaning that new contact lenses or glasses are necessary to accommodate the changed prescription. 

Hyperopia is partially hereditary, meaning that you're more likely to be farsighted if one of your parents is hyperopic. There is no way to prevent hyperopia.

Glasses and contact lenses easily correct the condition. Also, LASIK surgery is becoming a more common option among adults. However, LASIK it is not recommended for children and teenagers; a person should wait with surgery until they are fully grown.