Near-sightedness

Near-sightedness, also known as myopia, is a common eye disorder where light focuses in front of, instead of on, the retina. This causes distant objects to be blurry while close objects appear normal.

Pronunciation

Near-sightedness: /ˌnɪərˈsaɪtɪdnəs/ Myopia: /maɪˈoʊpiə/

Etymology

The term "myopia" comes from the Greek words "myein" (to shut) and "ops" (eye), referring to the squinting observed in individuals with the condition. "Near-sightedness" is a descriptive term derived from the fact that people with myopia can see objects clearly when they are near.

Symptoms

Symptoms of near-sightedness include difficulty seeing distant objects, squinting, eye strain, and headaches. Severe near-sightedness is associated with an increased risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts.

Causes

Near-sightedness is primarily caused by an elongated eyeball or a cornea with too much curvature. This results in light being focused in front of the retina rather than directly on its surface. It is often diagnosed in childhood and can be hereditary.

Treatment

Treatment options for near-sightedness include corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, and refractive surgery.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Near-sightedness
Wikipedia's article - Near-sightedness

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Near-sightedness