When the curve of the cornea (the clear round tissue at the front of the eye) is just right, light entering the eye comes to a focus right on the retina, producing sharp, clear vision.

When the cornea curve is too steep, however, light focuses somewhere in front of the retina. When that happens, objects appear fuzzy. This is the condition known as myopia, or nearsightedness.

Patients who are nearsighted can usually see objects more clearly up close. The normal treatment for myopia is prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. For some people, nearsightedness can be corrected through refractive surgery.