myopia

Term: myopia


Origin: Anc Greek μύωπία/miopia(=nearsightednes)
μύω/myo(=close, shut) + ωψ/ops (=sight, face)  describing a condition in which an individual attempted to see clearly by partially closing the eyes


Coined:
probably by Galen (138-201 AD) because the word is mentioned in Libris Pandectorum, a compilation of Roman Law that was completed in 65 AD, in a period of time that Galen lived in Rome.



Definition:

A visual defect in which individuals have difficulties to see objects in distance. The term is synonymous with nearsightedness.