Biological Systems MCAT Practice Exam

What term describes normal vision?

1. Hyperopia

2. Emmetropia

3. Myopia

4. Astigmatism

The correct answer is: Emmetropia

The term that describes normal vision is emmetropia. In emmetropia, light rays entering the eye are focused directly on the retina, which allows for clear vision at various distances. This condition indicates that the eye's shape, along with the cornea and lens's refractive power, is balanced, resulting in optimal focusing. In contrast, hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism are all types of refractive errors. Hyperopia, or farsightedness, occurs when light is focused behind the retina, making near objects appear blurry. Myopia, or nearsightedness, results when light is focused in front of the retina, causing distant objects to appear blurry. Astigmatism is characterized by an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, leading to distorted or blurred vision at all distances. Understanding emmetropia as the baseline for normal vision helps differentiate it from these refractive errors and emphasizes the importance of proper focus in visual clarity.