what does nearsighted mean

Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is a common vision condition in which near objects appear clear, but objects farther away look blurry. It occurs when the shape of the eye or certain parts of the eye causes light rays to bend inaccurately, resulting in light rays that should be focused on nerve tissues at the back of the eye (retina) being focused in front of the retina. This makes distant objects appear blurry. Nearsightedness is a refractive error that can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam. It usually results from the eye being too long or oval-shaped rather than round, or from the curve of the cornea being too steep. Prolonged reading or other close-up activities, screen time, and environmental conditions are associated with an increased risk of nearsightedness. People who have severe nearsightedness may also be at higher risk for other eye conditions, like retinal detachment. The treatment for nearsightedness includes glasses, contacts, or refractive surgery.