Myopia in Children
Myopia (short-sightedness) is a common refractive error in school-age children that makes distant objects blurry. The right glasses give clear vision; ways to slow progression and check-ups are planned with the eye doctor.
How can you tell a child is short-sighted?
A short-sighted child sees near objects comfortably but distant ones are blurred. This can be mistaken for lack of interest or difficulty understanding lessons.
- Struggling to read the board, copying from a classmate's book
- Squinting to see
- Recognising familiar people late from a distance
Do glasses make the eyes lazy?
No. The right glasses make vision clear; with them on the child sees well, without them they do not. The prescription usually increases as the child grows; this is not caused by the glasses.
Ask your eye doctor whether glasses are needed for homework and reading.
Slowing the progression of myopia
Several methods can help slow the progression of myopia. Your eye doctor will decide which suits your child:
- Low-dose atropine eye drops
- Myopia-control spectacle lenses (defocus lenses)
- Myopia-control soft contact lenses
- Orthokeratology (special rigid lenses worn overnight)
- Spending at least about 2 hours outdoors every day
Regular check-ups
Short-sighted children should usually have an eye examination every 6 months. Glasses should be renewed when the prescription changes or the lenses are scratched.
Frequently asked questions
Do glasses make myopia worse?
No. The prescription rising with age reflects the natural course of myopia, not the glasses.
Can myopia progression be slowed?
Low-dose atropine, special spectacle lenses, contact lenses and time outdoors can help slow progression.
How often should a short-sighted child be checked?
Usually every 6 months; your doctor may suggest a different interval.
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This page is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Anatomy and treatment plans differ from patient to patient.