Nearsightedness

Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is a common eye condition that causes distant objects to appear blurry, while close objects can be seen clearly.

Pronunciation

Nearsightedness: /ˌnɪərˈsaɪtɪdnəs/ Myopia: /maɪˈəʊpiə/

Etymology

The term "nearsightedness" is derived from the English words "near" and "sightedness", referring to the ability to see objects clearly when they are close. "Myopia" comes from the Greek words "myein" (to shut) and "ops" (eye), as people with myopia often squint.

Definition

Nearsightedness or myopia is a refractive error, which means that the eye does not bend or refract light properly, making distant objects look blurred. It is often caused by a longer-than-normal eyeball or a cornea that is too steep, which causes light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of nearsightedness include:

Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly
Squinting
Eye strain
Headaches

Causes

Nearsightedness is often hereditary. It typically starts in childhood and may gradually worsen as the person grows, a process known as myopic progression. Other factors that may contribute to nearsightedness include excessive reading, computer use, or other close work.

Treatment

Treatment options for nearsightedness include prescription glasses or contact lenses, and refractive surgery procedures such as LASIK or PRK.

Related Terms

Hyperopia: Also known as farsightedness, is the opposite of nearsightedness. People with hyperopia can see distant objects very well, but have difficulty focusing on objects up close.
Astigmatism: A condition in which the cornea or lens is not evenly curved, causing blurred or distorted vision.
Presbyopia: A condition that typically occurs with age, where the eye exhibits a progressively diminished ability to focus on near objects.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Nearsightedness
Wikipedia's article - Nearsightedness

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Nearsightedness