Myopia: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from Greek, where 'muo' means 'to close' and 'ops' means 'eye', hinting at squinting to see clearly.
• The term was first used in the early 19th century to describe this common vision issue.

Health

• Myopia is one of the most common refractive errors, affecting approximately 30% of the global population.
• It can develop in childhood and often stabilizes in early adulthood, though some may experience worsening vision later in life.
• Prolonged screen time and reduced outdoor activity are linked to increasing rates of myopia, especially in children.

Culture

• In literature, characters with myopia are often used to symbolize narrow-mindedness or limited perspectives.
• Some cultures associate clear vision with wisdom, making myopia a metaphor for a lack of insight in stories.

Science

• Myopia occurs when the eye is longer than normal or when the cornea has too much curvature, causing light to focus in front of the retina.
• Researchers are exploring treatments like special contact lenses and solutions to slow down the progression in children.

Psychology

• Metaphorically, myopia can represent a limited view on issues, hindering one’s ability to consider the bigger picture.
• The concept of cognitive myopia describes a tendency for individuals to favor immediate rewards over long-term benefits.

Positioned at #22,765, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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• 22765 myopia
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