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

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

Limiting up-close reading time outside of school — screen time or otherwise — may help slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. —Benjamin Botsford, CNN, 10 June 2024

While there are more permanent treatments for nearsightedness in the works, nearsighted children tend to require glasses or contacts for life, and more severe cases can lead to more extreme eye ailments down the line. —Devika Rao, theweek, 5 Feb. 2024

Limiting up-close reading time outside of school – screen time or otherwise – may help slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. —Benjamin Botsford, The Conversation, 30 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

nearsightedness

noun

near·​sight·​ed·​ness

: myopia