Myopia
my-OH-pee-uh
/maɪˈoʊ.pi.ə/
A condition of the eye where distant objects appear blurry while close objects are seen clearly; nearsightedness.
Can be used medically or metaphorically to describe narrow-mindedness or lack of long-term foresight.
The story behind the word. From Greek 'myopia', combining 'myein' (to shut/close) and 'ops' (eye). People with uncorrected nearsightedness habitually squint or squeeze their eyes shut to sharpen distant images, inspiring the name.
Word relationships
- nearsightedness: The everyday English equivalent of myopia.
- shortsightedness: Common British and figurative equivalent.
- hyperopia: Farsightedness, where distant objects are clearer than nearby ones.
Commonly confused with
- Hyperopia: Hyperopia makes near objects blurry, whereas myopia makes distant objects blurry.
Word family
- myopic (adjective): Nearsighted or lacking foresight.
- myopically (adverb): In a nearsighted or short-sighted manner.
Collocations
- progressive myopia
- high myopia
- cultural myopia
Example sentences
- "Her severe myopia meant she could not read highway signs without wearing corrective lenses." Medical diagnosis
Memory hook
MY-opia: I can only see what is close to MY self! Closed-eye nearsightedness.
When not to use
Do not use to describe difficulty seeing close objects, which is hyperopia.
Fun facts
- Rates of myopia have surged globally due to increased screen time and reduced outdoor exposure during childhood.
Related words
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