shortsighted

Shortsighted is an adjective with both medical and figurative senses. In medical contexts it refers to myopia, a condition in which distant objects appear blurred because light is focused in front of the retina. The term also describes a lack of long-term perspective in policy, planning, or thinking, often implying focus on near-term concerns at the expense of future consequences.

In the medical sense, myopia results from optical and anatomical factors such as an elongated eyeball or excessive curvature of the cornea, causing light to form a focal point before reaching the retina. People with myopia may notice blurry distance vision, squinting to see objects clearly, and often headaches after prolonged close work. Myopia commonly begins in childhood or adolescence and can progress during school years, with prevalence rising in many regions.

Management and treatment options aim to correct vision or slow progression. Corrective lenses, including eyeglasses and contact lenses, are standard refractive solutions. Refractive surgery (for example LASIK or PRK) and orthokeratology offer alternatives for appropriate candidates. In children, strategies to slow progression include low-dose atropine eye drops and increasing time spent outdoors. Regular eye examinations are important to monitor changes in prescription and eye health.

Figuratively, shortsightedness describes a lack of foresight or long-term planning, often criticized in contexts such as economics, politics, or environmental policy. It contrasts with long-term or strategic thinking and can be used to highlight potential future costs or risks ignored by short-term decisions.

See also: myopia, hyperopia, ophthalmology, vision. Etymology derives from the combination of short and sighted, indicating limited vision.