In the context of vision and eye defects, farsightedness is more properly known by which medical term?

Introduction / Context:
Human eye defects are very common topics in biology and general science sections of competitive exams. Terms like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism describe different refractive errors. This question asks you to recall the correct medical term for 'farsightedness', a condition in which distant objects can be seen more clearly than nearby objects.

Given Data / Assumptions:

We are given:
- Several medical terms, some related to vision and some unrelated.
- The common name 'farsightedness' and we must match it with the appropriate technical term.

Concept / Approach:
Farsightedness means a person can see far objects clearly but has difficulty seeing nearby objects. This happens when the image of a near object is formed behind the retina, often due to a shorter eyeball or insufficient curvature of the lens. The medical term for this condition is hyperopia (or hypermetropia). Myopia, on the other hand, is nearsightedness, where near objects are clear but distant ones are blurred.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand that farsightedness corresponds to difficulty seeing near objects clearly.
Step 2: Recall the main refractive errors: myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (unequal curvature leading to distorted vision).
Step 3: Match 'farsightedness' with 'hyperopia' or 'hypermetropia' from standard biology texts.
Step 4: Confirm that myopia refers to nearsightedness, which is the opposite problem.
Step 5: Therefore, select 'Hyperopia' as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Ophthalmology references and school-level biology books define:
- Myopia: Nearsightedness.
- Hyperopia/Hypermetropia: Farsightedness.
- Astigmatism: Blurred or distorted vision due to irregular curvature of the cornea or lens.
This confirms that hyperopia is the correct technical term for farsightedness.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Myopia: This refers to nearsightedness, where near objects are clear and distant objects appear blurred.
- Retinal detachment: A serious condition where the retina peels away from its underlying tissue; not a simple refractive error.
- Diabetes mellitus: A metabolic disease affecting blood sugar levels, not a specific eye refractive error (though it can cause eye complications).
- Astigmatism: A refractive error causing distorted or blurred vision due to uneven curvature, not specifically farsightedness.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse myopia and hyperopia because both involve blurred vision. An easy memory trick is: 'myopia' starts with 'my', so 'my near things are clear for me' (nearsighted), while hyperopia suggests 'hyper' or 'beyond', hinting that you see far things better than near ones. Also, remember that diabetes mellitus is not an eye defect itself, even though diabetic patients can develop eye diseases like retinopathy.

Final Answer:
Correct option: Hyperopia