What condition is described as a refractive error resulting in near-sightedness?

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error that occurs when the eye is either too long or has an overly curved cornea. This deviation causes light rays to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. As a result, individuals with myopia can see nearby objects clearly, while objects that are far away appear blurry. This condition is quite common, especially among children and adolescents, and is often corrected with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses designed to refocus light directly onto the retina. Understanding myopia is crucial for anyone working in the field of vision care, as it is one of the most prevalent refractive errors encountered in clinical practice.