What does nearsighted mean?
Nearsighted describes a person who can see nearby objects clearly but has difficulty bringing distant objects into focus. The condition results when the eye focuses incoming light in front of the retina rather than directly on it, and it is also called myopia. Nearsightedness commonly develops during childhood or adolescence and may become more noticeable as the eye grows. The word is neutral in tone and is used in both British and American English, while “myopic” is more formal or medical. Although the condition can make distant vision blurry, many nearsighted people see close objects sharply and may need little or no correction for nearby activities. Corrective lenses can improve distance vision, and the condition can also occur alongside other visual difficulties. Figuratively, “nearsighted” may describe someone who focuses too narrowly on immediate concerns or fails to consider longer-term consequences, though this use is less common in careful formal writing.
adjectiveAble to see clearly only at a short distance; having difficulty bringing distant objects into focus. The condition is also called myopia.
- Having difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, typically because the eye focuses incoming light in front of rather than directly on the retina.
"She became nearsighted in her late teens and started wearing glasses for reading and driving."
"The nearsighted boy held the book close to his face so he could read it."
"A nearsighted driver may need to wear corrective lenses while travelling on a motorway."
Nearsightedness is the reason the word “myopia” comes from a Greek root meaning “into the eye” rather than simply “short sight.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nearsighted come from?
The adjective combines “near” with the past participle “sighted,” so its literal sense is “seeing near.” Its medical equivalent, “myopia,” comes from Greek myopia, derived from myein, “to close the eyes,” and ops, “eye.” The English word “nearsighted” developed in the 19th century, alongside the established medical term “myopic.”
Related word forms
How nearsighted is actually used
Nearsighted is neutral in register and is common in everyday speech in both British and American English. Myopic is more formal or technical; shortsighted and short-sighted are widespread alternatives, although shortsighted can also figuratively mean lacking foresight.
Easily confused with nearsighted
Nearsighted is the everyday term for difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, while myopic is its more formal medical and descriptive equivalent.
Nearsightedness affects focusing on distant objects, whereas farsightedness affects focusing on nearby objects.