Which visual problem is commonly referred to as nearsightedness?

Nearsightedness is commonly referred to as myopia. This condition occurs when the shape of the eye causes light rays to focus at a point in front of the retina, rather than directly on its surface. As a result, individuals with myopia see nearby objects clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. The refractive error in myopia is often due to either an elongated eyeball or excessive curvature of the cornea.

In contrast, the other visual problems mentioned represent different refractive errors or age-related vision changes. Hyperopia, for instance, is the condition of farsightedness where distant objects are seen more clearly than those that are close. Astigmatism results from an irregular shape of the cornea or lens, leading to distorted or blurry vision at all distances. Presbyopia is an age-related condition where the eye's ability to focus on close objects diminishes, primarily due to a loss of elasticity in the lens. Understanding these distinctions is critical for identifying and addressing various visual impairments.