Myopia in Children: What It Is and Why It’s Becoming More Common

More families than ever are noticing changes in their children’s vision, with myopia, or short-sightedness, on the rise across the world. While it seems like a simple need for spectacles, its increasing prevalence means it’s now an important part of wider conversations around children’s health and wellbeing. 

Understanding what myopia is and why it's becoming more common can help parents feel more confident in supporting their child’s eye health.

What is Myopia?

Myopia is a common vision condition where close-up objects are clear, but distant objects appear blurred. It affects around one in three people in the UK and often develops during childhood.

In myopic eyes, the eyeball elongates or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it.

When myopia develops at a younger age it is more likely to progress quicker, which is why early awareness can make such a difference.

A Rising Concern Worldwide

In recent years, eye care professionals have seen a significant increase in the number of children developing myopia. Large studies suggest that this trend is continuing, with projections showing a substantial rise in cases globally and over the coming decades.

For many families, this means eye health is becoming an increasingly important part of everyday care.

Why Are More Children Developing Myopia?

There isn't a single cause. Instead, myopia is linked to a combination of genetics and modern lifestyle habits.

• Increased Screen Use

Children are spending more time on digital devices than ever before. Activities that involve prolonged close-up focus, such as using phones, tablets, or computers, can influence how the eyes develop.

• Less Time Outdoors

Time outside plays a key role in healthy eye development. Natural light is thought to help regulate eye growth, and children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to become myopic. Even simple changes, like family walks or outdoor play, can be beneficial.

• Changes in Daily Routines

Recent shifts in lifestyle, including more time spent indoors and on screens, have contributed to the increase in myopia seen in children.

• Family History

Genetics are also important. If one or both parents are short-sighted, their child is more likely to develop myopia.

• Educational and Behavioural Factors

Modern learning environments often involve extended periods of reading, writing, and screen use, with fewer breaks and less outdoor time, further increasing risk.

Why Early Detection Matters

Myopia isn’t just about needing specs. Higher levels can increase the risk of more serious eye conditions later in life. 

That’s why regular eye exams are so important, particularly during childhood when vision is still developing. Early detection allows for better monitoring and, where appropriate, steps can be taken to slow progression.

In children, this can be more difficult as their eyes have a strong ability to focus, known as accommodation. Because this system is highly responsive, children can often adapt to small changes in vision and may not notice early signs of blur. This can make myopia more difficult to identify in its early stages. For this reason, eye care professionals may sometimes use cycloplegic eye drops during an examination to relax focusing and ensure a more accurate prescription. 

Supporting Your Child’s Eye Health

While prevention isn't always possible due to genetics, there are still simple, practical ways families can help support healthy vision:

• Encourage Outdoor Time

Aim for at least 1-2 hours of outdoor activity daily as exposure to natural light stimulates the release of dopamine in the retina. This helps regulate eye growth and prevents the eyeball from growing too long.

• Manage Screen Time

Limit prolonged use of digital devices and encourage regular breaks. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Take breaks every 20 minutes by looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to relax focusing muscles.

• Balance Near Work

Ensure children take frequent breaks during reading, homework, or screen use to reduce sustained eye strain.

• Schedule Regular Eye Exams

Routine eye exams allow early detection and timely management, especially for children with a family history of myopia.

Myopia Management Options

If your child develops myopia, there are effective ways to help manage it. At Derbyshire Opticians, we offer a range of clinically proven solutions designed specifically for children.

MiSight Contact Lenses

MiSight are soft, daily contact lenses designed to both correct vision and help slow the progression of myopia. They use a dual-focus design, with separate zones for clear vision and myopia control, and have been shown to reduce myopia progression by up to 50% over three years of wear.

MiYOSMART Spectacle Lenses

We also offer MiYOSMART spectacle lenses that use Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) technology to provide clear vision while simultaneously helping to slow eye growth. Clinical studies have shown that they can reduce the progression of myopia by up to 60%.

Our team can help you choose the most suitable option for your child, ensuring both clear vision and long term eye health.

Looking Ahead

Myopia is becoming more common, but there is a lot that can be done. With the right balance of lifestyle habits, regular eye care, and early support, families can play a key role in protecting their child’s long-term vision.

If you have any concerns about your child’s eyesight, our team at Derbyshire Opticians is always here to help with advice, reassurance, and tailored care.