AP Psychology Practice Test

What condition is characterized by distant objects being seen more clearly than near objects?

1. Cataracts

2. Nearsightedness

3. Farsightedness

4. Astigmatism

The correct answer is: Farsightedness

Farsightedness, also known as hyperopia, is a condition where distant objects can be seen more clearly than near objects. This occurs because the light entering the eye is focused behind the retina, which results in a blurred image for close objects. Individuals with farsightedness often experience difficulty in focusing on tasks that require close vision, such as reading or sewing. The condition can be attributed to the shape of the eyeball being too short or issues with the cornea or lens. In contrast, nearsightedness, or myopia, causes difficulty in seeing far away, as the light is focused in front of the retina. Astigmatism involves an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, causing blurred vision at all distances. Cataracts, on the other hand, are related to clouding of the lens and can cause overall vision impairment but do not specifically differentiate between distance and near visibility. These distinctions clarify why farsightedness is the correct answer for this question.