Definition

1. Noun:
   • A vision condition, specifically a refractive error of the eye: Myopia is an eyesight abnormality where the eye's refractive power is too strong relative to the length of the eyeball, or the eyeball is too long. This causes light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, making distant objects appear blurred while close objects can be seen clearly. It is commonly known as nearsightedness or shortsightedness.

Usage and Examples

• General Usage:
  • Myopia is often diagnosed in childhood and can progress during the teenage years.
  • Wearing glasses or contact lenses is a common way to correct myopia.
• In a Medical/Technical Context:
  • The ophthalmologist explained that her myopia was due to axial elongation of the eye.
  • High myopia increases the risk of certain eye diseases later in life.

Advanced Usage

• "Pathological myopia" or "Degenerative myopia": A severe, progressive form of myopia associated with degenerative changes in the back of the eye (posterior segment).
  • Patients with pathological myopia require regular monitoring for retinal complications.
• "School myopia": A term sometimes used to refer to myopia that develops and increases during school-age years.
  • Increased near-work activities are considered a risk factor for school myopia.

Variants and Related Words

• Myopic (adj): Having myopia; nearsighted. Can also be used figuratively to mean lacking foresight or having a narrow view.
  • He is myopic and needs glasses for driving. (Literal)
  • The myopic policy failed to consider long-term consequences. (Figurative)
• Myope (n): A person affected with myopia (less common in everyday language).
  • As a severe myope, she was eligible for a special corrective procedure.

Synonyms

• Nearsightedness: The common, non-technical term for myopia.
• Shortsightedness: Primarily used in British English, synonymous with nearsightedness. (Note: Can also be used figuratively like 'myopic').

Antonyms

• Hyperopia / Hypermetropia (n): Farsightedness; a refractive error where distant objects are seen more clearly than near ones.
• Emmetropia (n): The normal, ideal condition of the eye where light focuses exactly on the retina, resulting in clear vision.

Idioms and Figurative Use

• While "myopia" itself is a technical medical term, its adjective form "myopic" is frequently used in figurative language.
  • To have a myopic view/perspective: To be short-sighted, to focus only on immediate issues without considering the future.

    • The company's myopic focus on quarterly profits hurt its innovation in the long run.

Noun

1. (ophthalmology) eyesight abnormality resulting from the eye's faulty refractive ability; distant objects appear blurred