Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is a common vision condition that makes far-away objects appear blurry, while near objects appear clear. It occurs when the shape of the eye or certain parts of the eye cause light rays to bend inaccurately, resulting in light rays that should be focused on the retina being focused in front of it. The most common cause of nearsightedness is the eye being too long from front to back. Other causes include the cornea being too curved or the shape of the eye being oval-shaped rather than round. Genetics also play a role, as nearsightedness tends to run in families. Spending prolonged periods doing close-up activities such as reading or using smartphones and computers may also increase the risk of developing myopia. Symptoms of nearsightedness include trouble seeing things that are far away, needing to squint to see clearly, and eye strain. If you have mild nearsightedness, you may not notice any symptoms, which is why its important to get regular eye exams. People who have severe nearsightedness may be at higher risk for other eye conditions, such as retinal detachment.