Myopia — short-sightedness — means distant things look blurry while close-up things are clear. It usually starts in school years and tends to increase as a child grows, which is why many parents see their child's spectacle power go up at every check-up.
Why is myopia becoming so common?
Genes play a part — children with short-sighted parents are more likely to become short-sighted. But lifestyle matters too. Long hours of close work on phones, tablets and books, combined with less time outdoors in daylight, are both linked to myopia starting earlier and progressing faster.
Why slowing it down matters
Myopia that starts young has more years to increase. Higher levels of myopia in adulthood are linked to a greater risk of eye conditions later in life. Every step that slows progression in childhood can make a difference to a child's long-term eye health.
What parents can do
- Encourage at least 1–2 hours of outdoor play every day.
- Build in screen breaks — the 20-20-20 rule works for kids too.
- Keep books and screens at a comfortable distance, not right up to the face.
- Get your child's eyes checked regularly — every 6–12 months if they already wear glasses.
- Ask about myopia control options if their power keeps increasing.
What are myopia control lenses?
Regular single-vision glasses make vision sharp but don't slow myopia. Myopia control spectacle lenses have a clear centre for sharp vision, surrounded by a zone of tiny lenslets that changes how light focuses at the edge of the eye. Clinical studies have shown these lenses can slow myopia progression in many children compared with regular lenses, especially when worn all day. Results vary from child to child, and your eye doctor may also discuss other approaches.