American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) Practice Exam

Which condition is characterized by the inability to focus on near objects?

1. Hyperopia

2. Myopia

3. Astigmatism

4. Presbyopia

The correct answer is: Hyperopia

The condition characterized by the inability to focus on near objects is presbyopia. This is a common age-related change that typically occurs in individuals over the age of 40, resulting from a gradual loss of elasticity in the lens of the eye. As the lens becomes less flexible, it becomes more challenging to focus on close objects, leading to difficulties with tasks such as reading or sewing. Hyperopia, commonly known as farsightedness, refers to a vision condition where distant objects can be seen more clearly than nearby ones. While it can cause some difficulty with near vision, it is primarily associated with a refractive error where the eyeball is too short or the cornea has too little curvature. It differs from presbyopia, which specifically pertains to age-related changes rather than an inherent refractive problem. Myopia, or nearsightedness, occurs when distant objects appear blurry while near objects can be seen clearly. This condition is caused by the elongation of the eyeball or the curvature of the cornea, leading to light being focused in front of the retina rather than directly on it. Astigmatism is another refractive error caused by an irregular shape of the cornea or lens, resulting in blurred or distorted vision at all distances