Yes, an eyesight prescription of -2.00 is considered mild nearsightedness, according to the American Optometric Association (AOA).
Understanding Nearsightedness (Myopia)
Nearsightedness, or myopia, means you can see nearby objects clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. This is because the eye's shape causes light to focus in front of the retina, instead of directly on it. The number in your prescription (-2.00 in this case) represents the strength of the corrective lens needed to bring distant objects into focus. The higher the number (in the negative range for myopia), the stronger the correction needed, and generally, the more severe the nearsightedness.
Severity Levels of Myopia:
- Mild Myopia: -0.25 to -2.00
- Moderate Myopia: -2.25 to -5.00
A prescription of -2.00 falls within the mild myopia range. While it's not considered severe, it still indicates a need for corrective lenses to achieve clear distance vision.
What Does -2.00 Mean in Practice?
Someone with a -2.00 prescription will likely experience blurry vision when looking at objects far away, such as street signs or a whiteboard in a classroom. They would benefit from wearing glasses or contact lenses to correct this vision impairment.
Note: This information is for general understanding and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with an optometrist or ophthalmologist for a professional eye exam and personalized recommendations.