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

The machine can see how the eyes are focusing to check for conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 12 Dec. 2024

How to prevent nearsightedness in kids The National Academies report said one of the best ways to prevent nearsightedness in kids is to spend time outdoors, at least one to two hours every day. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 19 Sep. 2024

Simmons shared that Harris, 59, had certain health issues, including her nearsightedness, as well as seasonal allergies triggered by pollen, and urticaria—a common skin condition that causes itchiness and redness. —Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 12 Oct. 2024

The Vice President’s nearsightedness is also corrected by lenses, which leave her with 20/20 vision. —Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 12 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

nearsightedness

noun

near·​sight·​ed·​ness

: myopia