Which refractive error is considered the most common?

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is indeed considered the most prevalent refractive error among individuals, particularly in younger populations. This condition occurs when the eyeball is either too long or the cornea has too much curvature, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina. As a result, people with myopia can see nearby objects clearly while distant objects appear blurred.

The increasing rates of myopia have been linked to various factors, including increased screen time and less outdoor activity, especially among children and adolescents. A significant portion of the population experiences this condition, making it a central focus in ophthalmology and optometry for interventions such as corrective lenses or refractive surgeries.

Other refractive errors, while common, do not reach the prevalence of myopia. Hyperopia, or farsightedness, generally affects people differently and is less common in the younger demographic as it often presents later in life. Astigmatism, caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, also affects a significant number of individuals but tends to occur alongside myopia or hyperopia. Presbyopia, a condition associated with aging that affects the ability to focus on close objects, occurs typically as people reach their 40s and is thus not