What is the most common refractive error in the eye?

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is indeed the most prevalent refractive error experienced by individuals. This condition occurs when light entering the eye is focused in front of the retina rather than directly on it, leading to difficulties in seeing distant objects clearly while near objects remain in focus. The prevalence of myopia has been rising in recent years, particularly among children and young adults, which is attributed to increased near work, such as screen time and reading.

Understanding the nature of myopia is essential, as it not only affects a significant portion of the population but also has implications for overall eye health. It can progress if left uncorrected, resulting in higher degrees of myopia that may lead to other ocular complications.

In contrast, hyperopia (farsightedness) typically occurs when light is focused behind the retina, astigmatism results from an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens causing blurred vision at all distances, and presbyopia is an age-related condition in which the eye's lens loses flexibility, making close-up tasks more challenging. While all these conditions are common refractive errors, myopia remains the most frequently diagnosed among different age groups.