Final answer:
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is when distant objects appear blurry and near objects are clear because light focuses in front of the retina. It is corrected with diverging lenses.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient diagnosed with myopia, also known as nearsightedness, experiences a visual defect where distant objects appear blurry while nearby objects can be seen clearly. In this condition, light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This is because the eye may be elongated or the cornea has too much curvature, causing improper convergence of light rays. When asked to explain the condition, the appropriate response from the nurse should be:
Nearsightedness is commonly corrected with lenses that are diverging, which reduce the power and correct the focal point, allowing distant objects to be brought into clear focus on the retina.