What is myopia commonly known as?

Myopia is commonly known as nearsightedness. This condition affects a person's ability to see distant objects clearly while close objects can be seen without difficulty. In individuals with myopia, light entering the eye is focused in front of the retina rather than directly on it, leading to blurry vision for faraway objects.

This visual phenomenon occurs because the eyeball is either too long or the cornea is too curved, resulting in an improper focus. Understanding myopia as nearsightedness is crucial because it distinguishes it from other refractive errors such as hyperopia (farsightedness) or conditions like color blindness and night blindness, which affect different aspects of vision. This knowledge is essential not only in optometry but also in general medical practice, as it helps in understanding how vision can be impacted by eye shape and refractive properties.