Farsightedness or hyperopia is the inability of the eye to focus on nearby objects. The farsighted eye has no difficulty viewing distant objects. But the ability to view nearby objects requires a different lens shape - a shape which the farsighted eye is unable to assume. Subsequently, the farsighted eye is unable to focus on nearby objects. The problem most frequently arises during latter stages in life, as a result of the weakening of the ciliary muscles and/or the decreased flexibility of the lens. These two potential causes leads to the result that the lens of the eye can no longer assume the highly convex shape required to view nearby objects. The lens' power to refract light has diminished and the images of nearby objects are focused at a location behind the retina. On the retinal surface, where the light-detecting nerve cells are located, the image is not focused. These nerve cells thus detect a blurry image of nearby objects.

Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can all be successfully treated today with LASIK up to certain approved parameters, depending upon the laser and the skill of the surgeon performing the procedure. For example, people who wear glasses only for reading are not good candidates. In addition to the visual and medical requirements, laser refractive surgery can be done on a patient with up to 14 diopters of myopia, or nearsightedness, and with up to 5 diopters of astigmatism. The best candidates tend to be people who are dissatisfied with their contact lenses or glasses and are motivated to make a change for occupational or lifestyle reasons.