What condition does myopia specifically refer to in the context of vision?

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, specifically refers to the inability to focus on distant objects. This occurs because light entering the eye is not focused directly on the retina, often due to the shape of the eyeball being too long or the cornea having too much curvature. As a result, while close objects are seen clearly, distant objects appear blurry.

Understanding myopia is essential for recognizing how it affects daily life and activities, such as driving or watching television, where clear distance vision is crucial. Addressing this condition often involves the use of corrective lenses or contact lenses to adjust the focal point of light entering the eye, allowing for clearer distant vision.

The other options describe different visual issues: the inability to focus on near objects is known as hyperopia, while general visual impairment encompasses a range of vision problems that do not specifically tie to myopia or any conditions like color blindness, which involves difficulties in perceiving colors correctly. Thus, myopia is uniquely defined by challenges related specifically to distance vision.