What is the medical term for nearsightedness?

The medical term for nearsightedness is myopia. This condition occurs when light entering the eye is not focused correctly, leading to distant objects appearing blurry while nearby objects can be seen clearly. Myopia typically arises due to the eyeball being too long or the cornea having too much curvature. This allows for proper focus on closer objects, which is why those with myopia have difficulty seeing things at a distance.

Hyperopia refers to farsightedness, where distant objects can be seen more clearly than nearby ones. Astigmatism is a refractive error caused by an uneven curvature of the cornea or lens, leading to blurred vision at all distances. Presbyopia is an age-related condition that affects the eye's ability to focus on close objects, typically occurring in middle-aged individuals. Understanding these differences is crucial in distinguishing various visual impairments, but in the context of nearsightedness, myopia is the appropriate term.