Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error in the eye where distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly. This condition occurs when the eye is too long relative to its focusing power, or when the cornea is too curved, causing light rays entering the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Myopia is often hereditary and can develop or worsen during childhood and adolescence. Symptoms include difficulty seeing distant objects, frequent squinting, and eye strain. Corrective measures typically involve prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, which help refocus light properly onto the retina. In some cases, refractive surgery like LASIK can be an option to reduce dependency on corrective lenses. Regular eye exams are important for managing myopia and adjusting prescriptions as needed.