nearsightedness

noun

near·​sight·​ed·​ness ˈnir-ˌsī-təd-nəs 

: a condition in which the visual images come to a focus in front of the retina of the eye resulting especially in defective vision of distant objects : myopia sense 1

Myopia (nearsightedness) results when incoming light from distant objects focuses in front of the retina, usually because the eye-ball is elongated. Close vision is fine, but distance vision is poor.

—Consumer Reports

… people who suffer from extreme nearsightedness, whose world loses its crisp edge just a few inches from their noses.

—Diedtra Henderson

A tiny laser beam programmed by computer vaporizes tissue to reshape the cornea, correcting nearsightedness and astigmatism in many cases.

—Michael Precker

Examples of nearsightedness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Benefits of eye surgery include improvement of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. —Vanessa Caceres, Verywell Health, 11 Sep. 2024

This testing helps identify the specific type and degree of refractive error, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, helping determine the correct prescription required for glasses or contact lenses.12 Similar Treatments Treatments for nearsightedness and farsightedness are similar. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 18 Aug. 2024

Research suggests that spending more time outdoors, particularly during childhood, may lower the risk of nearsightedness or slow its progression.11 Exposure to natural light triggers the release of dopamine that may prevent or slow the elongation of the eyeball, protecting against nearsightedness. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 18 Aug. 2024

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is characterized by seeing close objects clearly and having blurred vision for far-away objects. —Kelly Burch, Verywell Health, 11 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

nearsightedness

noun

near·​sight·​ed·​ness

: myopia