eye care support

Myopia

Myopia, or short-sightedness, is a focusing condition in which distant objects appear blurred.

In a myopic eye, light focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it, causing distance vision to be unclear. The exact cause of myopia is not fully understood. Genetics, environment and lifestyle all appear to play a role.

Factors such as time spent outdoors, visual demands and family history may influence whether a child becomes myopic. In terms of prevention, there is no guaranteed way to prevent myopia, but certain treatments may help slow its progression, especially when started early.

Managing myopia from childhood

Encourage time outdoors

It is recommended that children spend at least 90 minutes a day outdoors to decrease the risk of developing myopia.

Regular glasses and contact lenses

These can help your child see clearly, though will need updating often as they have minimal effect on slowing down the progression of myopia.

Myopia management contact lenses and spectacle lenses

There are different types of specialist lenses which can help slow down myopia progression.

Other options

In addition, further options include alternative contact lens designs, pharmacological and other treatments.

AP

Myopia Control

Peripheral blurring

Using spectacle and/ or contact lenses

Atropine eye drops

A medical treatment option to help slow the progress of myopia in children

Low-level red-light therapy

A new alternative and non-invasive way to help manage myopia

Optical biometry

Measures eye length to track childhood myopia and monitor how well treatments are slowing eye growth

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Learn more about managing myopia

Myopia FAQs

A comprehensive eye examination is the only reliable way to diagnose myopia.

Clues that a child may be short-sighted include squinting to see distant objects, difficulty seeing the board at school, poor posture when reading or reduced interest in outdoor play.

Starting monitoring and management early gives children the best chance of maintaining healthier vision as they grow.

  • Distance vision becoming blurry
  • Moving closer to the TV
  • Reduced performance at school
  • Complaints of headaches
  • Tired eyes
  • Squinting or screwing eyes up

In many cases, there will be no signs at all.

Not necessarily. People with myopia often see close objects clearly, but some may see near tasks only slightly better—or even slightly worse—than someone with normal vision.

No. Myopia cannot be reversed, but glasses or contact lenses can provide clear vision.

Laser surgery may be an option for some adults. Your optometrist can discuss whether this is suitable.

Myopia is very common and increasing worldwide:

  • Around 15% of the general population is short-sighted
  • Rates are rising sharply in children and young adults
  • In some parts of Asia, up to 80% of high-school students are myopic
  • In the United States, myopia has increased by more than 60% in recent decades

Research shows that:

  • Children with myopic parents are more likely to become myopic
  • Urban environments have higher rates of myopia than rural areas
  • Time spent outdoors appears to reduce the likelihood of developing myopia
  • The amount of reading or near work alone does not predict who will become myopic