Which one of the following is the eye condition in which objects in close proximity are clear and objects in the distance are blurry?

• A. Hyperopia
• B. Astigmatism
• C. Myopia
• D. Presbyopia

Answer: (C)

The condition where objects up close are clear while those at a distance appear blurry is known as myopia, or nearsightedness. Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long relative to the focusing power of the cornea and lens, or when the cornea has too much curvature. This causes light rays entering the eye to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on its surface, resulting in a clear image for nearby objects while distant objects are out of focus.

In contrast, hyperopia, or farsightedness, occurs when distant objects are clearer because the eye focuses images behind the retina. Astigmatism is due to an irregular shape of the cornea or lens, leading to blurred vision at various distances. Presbyopia is an age-related condition where the ability to focus on close objects diminishes, typically due to a loss of flexibility in the lens. Thus, the characteristics of myopia directly correspond to the symptoms detailed in the question, confirming it as the correct answer.