When the curve of the cornea (the clear round tissue at the front of the eye) is just right, light entering the eye comes to a focus right on the retina, producing sharp, clear vision.

When the cornea curve is too flat, however, light focuses somewhere behind the retina, making objects near and far appear out of focus. This is the condition known as hyperopia, or farsightedness. The normal treatment for hyperopia is prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. For some people, farsightedness can be corrected through refractive surgery.