near-sightedness
Definition
- Noun (uncountable):
- A visual condition: "near-sightedness" is a condition of the eye in which distant objects appear blurred while close objects are seen clearly. It is also known medically as myopia.
Usage Examples
- (She could not see distant objects clearly.)
- (The visual impairment can be treated.)
- (They strain their eyes to improve distance vision.)
Advanced Usage
"to suffer from near-sightedness": to experience this visual condition.
- Many people suffer from near-sightedness and rely on corrective lenses. (They have the condition and use glasses or contacts.)
"progressive near-sightedness": a form of myopia that worsens over time.
- Progressive near-sightedness may require stronger prescriptions as the patient ages. (The condition becomes more severe.)
Variants and Related Words
Near-sighted (adj): having the condition of near-sightedness.
- A near-sighted person cannot see distant signs clearly. (Someone with myopia.)
Near-sightedly (adv): in a manner that reflects near-sightedness.
- He looked near-sightedly at the menu, holding it close to his face. (He squinted or leaned in due to poor distance vision.)
Synonyms
- Myopia (n): the medical term for near-sightedness.
- Myopia is a common refractive error of the eye. (The scientific name for the condition.)
- Shortsightedness (n): a less common synonym for near-sightedness.
- Shortsightedness can be hereditary. (The condition runs in families.)
Related Idioms
- "Near-sighted as a bat": an informal phrase meaning very poor distance vision.
- Without his glasses, he is as near-sighted as a bat. (He has extremely blurry distance vision.)
Note on Usage
- The word is typically used in medical and everyday contexts. It is the opposite of "far-sightedness" (hyperopia), where near objects are blurry.