Myopia, more popularly known as nearsightedness, is a common refractive error. Approximately a quarter of the general population may be affected. Myopic individuals see better up close than in the distance. This is because the eye improperly focuses light too strongly, causing blurred vision in the distance. Common complaints due to myopia include blurred distance vision, squinting, eye strain and headaches. Refractive errors such as myopia are commonly corrected by eyeglasses or contact lenses. Refractive surgery is another possibility.
