What type of refractive error is myopia?

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly. This occurs when the eye is either too long or the cornea is too steeply curved, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This condition is prevalent and can be easily diagnosed with a vision test.

In contrast, the other terms describe different types of refractive errors. Farsightedness refers to the inability to see close objects clearly, astigmatism is caused by an irregular shape of the cornea or lens, leading to distorted vision at all distances, and presbyopia is age-related and involves a decreased ability to focus on nearby objects. Understanding these distinctions is essential for recognizing the characteristics and implications of different refractive errors in clinical practice.