Understanding Myopia in Children: What Parents Need to Know
Myopia, also known as short-sightedness, makes it difficult to see clearly at a distance. In its early stages, it may just seem like your child needs glasses to see the board at school. But as it progresses, the blur can creep closer—sometimes affecting vision even at arm’s length.
When and Why Myopia Starts
Most children who develop myopia start showing signs before age 10. This happens when the eye grows too quickly or becomes longer than normal, affecting how light is focused. Ideally, the eye grows at a steady rate through childhood, slowing down in the teenage years. In myopia, however, the growth continues at a faster rate than expected, which leads to worsening vision over time—a process known as myopia progression.
Standard Glasses Aren’t Enough
While standard glasses and contact lenses can correct blurry vision, they don’t stop the underlying eye growth that causes myopia. In fact, traditional single-vision lenses do nothing to slow progression.
That’s where myopia control comes in.
What is Myopia Control?
Myopia control refers to special treatments designed to slow down how quickly a child’s vision worsens. These include:
- Specially designed glasses
- Contact lenses with myopia control technology
These options don’t “cure” myopia, but they can help reduce how much your child’s vision changes as they grow.
Why It’s Important
Myopia progression isn’t just about needing stronger glasses. Higher levels of myopia increase the risk of serious eye health problems later in life, including:
Retinal detachment
Glaucoma
Cataracts
Myopic macular degeneration
By slowing progression early, we’re helping protect your child’s long-term eye health and quality of life.
When Should Myopia Control Start?
The earlier, the better. Children between the ages of 6 and 10 often experience the fastest changes in their vision. Starting treatment during this critical time can make a big difference.
Even teenagers and young adults may still benefit, as some continue to progress into their early 20s. In fact, recent research suggests that even young adults can newly develop myopia.
Benefits of Myopia Control
Short-Term Gains:
More stable vision between eye exams
Fewer prescription changes
Better vision for learning, sport, and daily life
Long-Term Protection:
Lower risk of serious eye conditions
Improved quality of life
Better chances of eligibility and results from future procedures like laser eye surgery
Did you know? For every additional unit of myopia (-1.00D), the risk of eye complications increases. That’s why even reducing progression by a small amount is a big win.
Vision you deserve
More Than Just Treatment: Lifestyle Matters
Myopia control also includes lifestyle recommendations
- Outdoor time:
Aim for at least 2 hours a day. Natural light helps delay onset.
- Screen use & reading:
Take regular breaks and avoid holding screens or books too close.
Your child’s optometrist can help set realistic goals for screen time, reading, and outdoor play to support healthy visual development.
The Bigger Picture: Myopia as a Global Health Issue
Myopia is becoming more common across the world. It’s not just a childhood concern—it’s a lifelong condition with long-term risks. That’s why the World Health Organization now classifies myopia as a major public health concern.
In parts of Asia, where myopia rates are especially high, related eye diseases are already one of the leading causes of vision loss among working adults.
The Good News
We now have more tools than ever to help children manage their myopia. While we can’t promise to stop it completely, evidence shows that these treatments can significantly slow progression. That means:
Better vision for your child as they grow
A lower final prescription
A reduced risk of eye problems in adulthood
If you require glasses, please be confident that our trained staff will guide and advise you on the best style of frame for you. They will also tailor your experience by enquiring about your lifestyle and hobbies to ensure you get the finest advice for seeing your busy life in the best way possible.
Book in for an eye examination now! You should be living your best life in high definition.
Two Pairs of Single Vision Glasses
Starting from only £59 with a wide range
of glasses to choose from
*Same prescription only