Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common refractive error of the eye that affects how well someone can see distant objects. People with myopia have difficulty seeing objects that are far away, but can usually see objects up close without any issues.

This condition occurs when the eye is too long or the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) is too steep, which causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This causes the image to appear blurry. Nearsightedness can also occur if the lens inside the eye is too thick.

It can develop during childhood and often worsens during the teenage years as the eye continues to grow. It can also develop in adulthood due to various factors such as genetics, prolonged near work, and environmental factors. If left untreated, myopia can lead to other eye problems such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment. Treatment options include corrective eyeglasses, contact lenses, and refractive surgery.