What visual condition does the term “hyperopia” describe?

Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, is a visual condition in which distant objects may be seen more clearly than close ones. This occurs because light entering the eye is focused behind the retina rather than directly on it due to the shape of the eyeball or the refractive power of the lens. While option B suggests that blurred vision is due to lens problems, which can occur in hyperopia, the primary characteristic of the condition is actually difficulty focusing on nearby objects. The lens may not have enough curvature to focus the light correctly on the retina, leading to blurred vision when looking at things that are close, not just due to lens problems in isolation.

Other conditions described in the choices do not relate directly to hyperopia. For example, difficulty seeing in dim light is more closely associated with conditions like nyctalopia, while increased sensitivity to light (photophobia) and problems with viewing distant objects (which actually describes myopia, or nearsightedness) do not accurately define hyperopia itself. The key aspect of hyperopia centers around the focusing of light and its effects on visual acuity for nearby versus distant objects.