What is the common name for myopia?

Myopia, commonly referred to as nearsightedness, is a refractive error where close objects appear clear while distant objects may appear blurry. This condition arises when the eyeball is too long relative to the focusing power of the cornea and lens or when the cornea has too much curvature. As a result, light rays coming into the eye focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, causing the described visual issues.

The term "nearsightedness" aptly describes the condition, as individuals with myopia can see nearby objects clearly but struggle to see those that are far away. Understanding this terminology is crucial for opticians and others in the field, as it aids in both communication with patients and the discussion of potential treatments or corrective lenses necessary for vision improvement. The other terms provided—farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia—refer to different visual conditions and do not describe myopia.