The inability of the eye to focus near objects is known as

Analyze the question: It asks for the eye defect where a person cannot focus on near objects. Distant objects are usually seen clearly.

Explain the concept: Here are the main eye defects:

• Myopia (short-sightedness): The person sees near objects clearly but not distant ones. The eyeball is too long, or the lens is too powerful. It is corrected with a diverging (concave) lens.
• Hypermetropia (long-sightedness): The person sees distant objects clearly but cannot focus on near ones. The eyeball is too short, or the lens is too weak, so the image forms behind the retina. It is corrected with a converging (convex) lens.
• Presbyopia: This is also difficulty with near objects, but it is caused by aging. The eye lens loses its elasticity and the ciliary muscles weaken, so the eye cannot accommodate. It is corrected with bifocal or convex lenses.
• Astigmatism: The cornea or lens is unevenly curved, so the image is blurred or distorted in one direction. It is corrected with a cylindrical lens.

Solution: The question asks for the "inability of the eye to focus near objects" in general terms, with no mention of age. That matches the standard definition of hypermetropia (long-sightedness), the defect in which near objects cannot be focused. The spelling "hypermatropia" in option C is a typo for hypermetropia.

Presbyopia (E) is a close contender because it also affects near vision. However, it is specifically age-related, and the question gives no hint of age. Since the question is a general definition, hypermetropia is the better fit.

Answer: C. hypermetropia

Tip: Remember it this way:

• Myopia = Myopic sees near only → needs concave lens.
• Hypermetropia = sees far only → needs convex lens.
• If the question mentions old age, think presbyopia.