Hyperopia or long-sightedness occurs as a result of the eye being slightly smaller than normal. The cornea is also usually a little flatter. This produces a refractive error in which the image is focussed behind the retina and, as a result, it is not possible to focus clearly on objects that are near to the eye or, to a lesser extent, on things that are further away.

Refractive surgery is an option for patients who are over 20 years of age whose hyperopia is within the range of between +1 and +10 diopters.