Shortsightedness: meaning, definitions and examples

👓
Add to dictionary

shortsightedness

 

[ ˈʃɔːrtsaɪtɪdnəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

vision problem

Shortsightedness, also known as myopia, is a common refractive error of the eye where distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly. This condition occurs when the eyeball is too long, or the cornea has too much curvature, causing light rays entering the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of on it. Shortsightedness is typically detected in childhood or adolescence and can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Synonyms

lack of foresight, myopia, nearsightedness

Examples of usage

  • He needed glasses for his shortsightedness.
  • Shortsightedness can make it difficult to see the board in class.
  • Many teenagers experience shortsightedness as their eyes develop.
  • Regular eye check-ups can help detect shortsightedness early.

Translations

Translations of the word "shortsightedness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 miopia

🇮🇳 नज़दीकी दृष्टिहीनता

🇩🇪 Kurzsichtigkeit

🇮🇩 rabun dekat

🇺🇦 близькозорість

🇵🇱 krótkowzroczność

🇯🇵 近視 (きんし)

🇫🇷 myopie

🇪🇸 miopía

🇹🇷 yakın görme

🇰🇷 근시 (geun-si)

🇸🇦 قصر النظر

🇨🇿 krátkozrakost

🇸🇰 krátkozrakosť

🇨🇳 近视 (jìnshì)

🇸🇮 kratkovidnost

🇮🇸 stutt sjón

🇰🇿 жақын көру

🇬🇪 ახლო ხედვა

🇦🇿 yaxın görmə

🇲🇽 miopía

Word origin

The term 'shortsightedness' originates from the combination of ‘short’ and ‘sightedness,’ referring to the ability to see, or sight, being limited to shorter distances. The word 'sight' itself comes from the Old English 'siht,' meaning 'vision' or 'sight,' and 'short' indicates a limitation of distance. Myopia, the medical term for shortsightedness, has roots in the Greek word 'muops,' meaning 'to close the eyes' or 'squint,' reflecting the strain that those with myopia often experience when trying to see distant objects clearly. The understanding of shortsightedness has evolved over time, particularly with advances in optical science and the development of corrective lenses.