myopia

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The difference between nearsightedness and farsightedness

eye: laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK)

Uncover the science behind myopia and its underlying causes

$How does refraction affect light and vision?$

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myopia: Facts & Related Content

Written and fact-checked by The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

News •

Lasting effects of contact lenses that slow myopia in kids • Feb. 18, 2025, 7:50 AM ET (National Institutes of Health (NIH) (.gov))

Laser technique halts potential long-term consequences of nearsightedness • Feb. 4, 2025, 6:05 AM ET (Medical Xpress)

Facts

Also Known As	short-sightedness • nearsightedness • shortsightedness • near-sightedness

Photos and Videos

eye: laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK)

The difference between nearsightedness and farsightedness

Uncover the science behind myopia and its underlying causes

$How does refraction affect light and vision?$

See All Videos and Images →

Topics

eyeball radial keratotomy photorefractive keratectomy LASIK vision eye disease uveitis keratitis macular degeneration conjunctivitis colour blindness glaucoma cataract strabismus detached retina visual field defect

Key People

Donders, engraving by H. Dilcher after a drawing by F. Kriehuber, c. 1860

Frans Cornelis Donders

Dutch ophthalmologist

Quiz

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