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Nearsightedness (myopia)

If you are nearsighted, objects in the distance appear blurry and out of focus.

Most nearsightedness is caused by a natural change in the shape of the eyeball. Less often, nearsightedness may be caused by a change in the cornea or the lens. The change in shape causes light rays that enter the eye to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it, which leads to blurred vision.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Christopher J. Rudnisky - Ophthalmology
Last Revised July 6, 2009

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: July 06, 2009
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

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