Shortsightedness is spelled with two syllables: "short" and "sightedness." The first syllable is pronounced as /ʃɔːt/, the same as the word "short," while the second syllable is pronounced as /ˈsaɪtɪdnəs/, with the stress on the second syllable. The word refers to the condition of having difficulty seeing things that are far away. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who cannot see the long-term consequences of their actions.
Shortsightedness, also known as myopia, is a common visual impairment characterized by the inability to see objects clearly from a distance while having relatively clear vision of objects nearby. It occurs when the eyeball is slightly longer than usual or when the cornea has too much curvature, resulting in light focusing in front of the retina rather than directly on it. As a consequence, distant objects appear blurry or out of focus, while nearby objects remain clear.
Individuals with shortsightedness often struggle with tasks that require clear vision at a distance, such as reading road signs, watching television, or recognizing faces from afar. Squinting or moving closer to objects may temporarily improve their ability to see clearly.
This condition is believed to have a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Studies suggest that genetics play a significant role, as myopia often runs in families. However, excessive near work activities, prolonged use of digital devices, and limited outdoor time are considered contributing environmental factors.
Corrective measures for shortsightedness include eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (such as LASIK) to compensate for the refractive error and help focus light correctly onto the retina. These methods can effectively improve distance vision and allow individuals to see clearly. Regular eye exams are essential for monitoring the progression of myopia, particularly in children, as it tends to develop during childhood and may stabilize in early adulthood.
Myopia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "shortsightedness" is derived from the combination of two words: "short" and "sightedness".
The term "short" originally comes from the Old English word "sceort" meaning "not long" or "small in length", which further traces back to the Proto-Germanic word "skurtaz".
"Sightedness" is a combination of two parts as well. "Sight" is derived from the Old English word "sihth", meaning "the act of seeing or perception" or "the power or faculty of seeing". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "sihtiz". The suffix "-ness" is added to form a noun denoting a state or condition.
Therefore, "shortsightedness" as a compound word refers to a condition where a person has difficulty seeing objects clearly at a distance, also known as myopia.