In recent years, optometrists worldwide have been seeing the same worrying trend: more children are developing myopia (short-sightedness), and it is happening at younger ages than ever before.
In 2026, latest UK data indicates that the prevalence of myopia in children has risen by nearly 50% over the last two decades. This isn’t just about needing glasses to see the board at school—progressive myopia can increase the risk of serious eye problems in adulthood, such as glaucoma, cataracts, myopic maculopathy, and even retinal detachment.
The good news? With regular eye exams and modern myopia management options, we can make a real difference to your child’s long-term visual health.
What Exactly is Myopia?
Myopia happens when the eye grows slightly too long from front to back (axial elongation). This means light focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it, making distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear.
Why is it becoming more common?
Researchers in 2026 point to a combination of genetics and environmental factors:
Family history: If one or both parents are short-sighted, the likelihood is significantly higher for their child.
Screen-heavy lifestyles: UK children now engage in more “near work” than any previous generation, spending hours daily on tablets, phones, and computers.
Lack of outdoor time: Scientific consensus confirms that spending at least 90 minutes a day outdoors in natural light is a primary protective factor against the onset of myopia.
Signs Your Child May Be Short-Sighted
Children don’t always realise they’re not seeing clearly—it’s simply “normal” to them. Watch for these signs:
Sitting too close to the TV or leaning into screens.
Struggling to see the board or being “disengaged” in the classroom.
Squinting or closing one eye to focus on distant objects.
Frequent eye rubbing or excessive blinking.
Complaining of headaches or “tired eyes” after school.
Holding books or devices very close to their face (less than 30cm).
Even without visible signs, a child’s prescription can change rapidly during growth spurts—another reason why annual eye exams are essential.
Why Myths Can Be Harmful
In the age of social media, misinformation about eye health is common. It’s important to separate fact from fiction:
❌ “Eye exercises can cure myopia” – They cannot. Myopia is caused by the physical shape and length of the eye, not by “weak muscles.”
❌ “Under-correcting vision stops it getting worse” – This is a dangerous myth. Providing a weaker prescription than needed has no proven benefit and may actually cause myopia to progress faster.
The Impact of Progressive Myopia
Mild myopia often just means wearing glasses. However, as myopia progresses into higher prescriptions (typically over -6.00D), the risks for future eye disease increase exponentially. The elongation of the eye stretches the retina, making it fragile and vulnerable to damage.
By slowing the rate of progression now, we are essentially “future-proofing” your child’s sight.
Modern Myopia Control Options
At The Opticians, we use 2026’s most advanced, clinically proven methods to help slow myopia progression:
MiYOSMART Lenses – These innovative spectacle lenses use D.I.M.S. technology. Recent long-term studies published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology show they can slow progression by an average of 60% in children.
NaturalVue Multifocal 1 Day Contact Lenses – A popular choice for active children. 2026 clinical data confirms that the vast majority of children wearing these lenses experience a significant slowing of eye growth.
Advanced Lifestyle Guidance – We provide tailored plans to balance digital device use with essential outdoor time.
Why Early Action is Key
Once the eye has grown longer, we cannot reverse it—but we can slow further elongation. The earlier we start, the more effective myopia management becomes.
Every year counts. A child whose myopia is detected and treated at age 7 will typically have a much better visual outcome in adulthood than a child who starts treatment at age 12.
Practical Tips for Parents
You can help protect your child’s vision with these daily habits:
Prioritise the Outdoors: Aim for at least 90 minutes outdoors every day (UV protection is still important, even when it’s cloudy!).
The 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
The Elbow Rule: Ensure books and screens are kept at least an “elbow-to-hand” distance from the eyes.
Routine Checks: Make an annual eye exam part of your back-to-school routine.
Trusted Resources for Further Reading
HOYA Vision (MiYOSMART)
British Journal of Ophthalmology
International Myopia Institute
Myopia Profile
Your child’s eyesight is for life. Book their eye test today at The Opticians and give them the best chance at a clearer, healthier future.
Find out more and book your consultation here: The Opticians – Myopia Management
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