Short‑sightedness (myopia)

Symptoms of myopia

The main symptom is struggling to see distant objects clearly, but this can be accompanied by other signs that may indicate myopia is developing or getting worse:

• Squinting to see distant objects – This is often the first sign parents notice in children, like squinting at the TV, the whiteboard at school, or road signs.

• Headaches and eye strain – Constantly trying to focus on distant objects can cause headaches and tired eyes, especially after activities like driving or watching TV.

• Sitting closer to screens or books – Children might move closer to the TV or hold books very close to their faces to see clearly.

• Difficulty seeing the board at school – Teachers often notice when children can't read what's written on the classroom whiteboard or struggle to see presentations.

Short‑sightedness vs. long‑sightedness 

It can be tricky to tell the difference between short‑sightedness and other vision problems. Short‑sightedness means distant objects look blurry while close‑up things stay clear. Long‑sightedness is the opposite. You might struggle with reading or close work, but see distant objects more clearly. Both conditions can occur alongside presbyopia, which affects near vision as we age. 

Who's more likely to develop myopia? 

Short‑sightedness often runs in families, so children with short‑sighted parents are more likely to develop it. It typically starts during childhood or teenage years when the eyes are still growing. Modern lifestyle factors also increase risk. Children who spend more time indoors, do lots of close‑up work, or have limited outdoor time are more prone to developing myopia.

Disclaimer: For advice and further information about short‑sightedness you should consult an eye care professional. This Vision Simulator should be treated as information only and does not represent advice. The images presented are artistic interpretations of short‑sightedness as experienced without glasses or contact lenses.

^{Vision simulator reproduced with permission from CooperVision Inc. and its subsidiaries.}

How is short‑sightedness diagnosed?

An optometrist can diagnose myopia by performing a comprehensive eye exam. They'll check how well you can see at different distances and examine the health of your eyes. Understanding how the eye works helps explain why these tests are so important for detecting short‑sightedness early, especially in children. 

The diagnosis of myopia typically involves:

• Patient history – Your optometrist will ask about symptoms, family history of short‑sightedness, and lifestyle factors like screen time and outdoor activities.

• Visual acuity test – This measures how clearly you can see letters on a chart at different distances, helping determine the severity of myopia.

• Refraction test – Using different lenses, your optometrist finds the exact prescription needed to correct your short‑sightedness.

• Eye health examination – A thorough check of your eyes' internal structures to rule out other conditions and assess overall eye health.

Why early eye tests matter (especially for kids) 

Regular eye examinations are crucial for detecting and managing myopia, particularly in children whose vision can change rapidly. Early detection allows for prompt correction and, importantly, the implementation of myopia control strategies that can significantly impact long‑term eye health.

• Fast‑changing eyesight in children – Children's eyes develop rapidly, and myopia often begins during school years when visual demands increase significantly. Many children don't realise their vision is changing because the progression is gradual.

• Professional monitoring and intervention – Regular professional eye examinations allow optometrists to track not just prescription changes, but also the health of the developing eye using advanced imaging techniques.

• Specialised myopia management – For children showing rapid myopia progression, specialised myopia management programmes can be started early, potentially preventing the development of high myopia and its associated risks later in life.

Myopia in children

If your child is complaining about short‑sightedness, headaches, eye strain, or even feeling tired, then they may have myopia.

Progressive myopia happens when the condition progresses rapidly. This affects young children in particular, so it’s important to start myopia management treatment as soon as possible. As well as the symptoms listed above, children with short‑sightedness may experience:

• Difficulty seeing in into the distance/holding objects close to the face

• Headaches

• Excessive blinking

• Fatigue and lack of concentration

• Clumsiness

• Eye rubbing

If you are concerned about myopia, then the best step is to take your child for an eye test. Children can be tested at any age, even if they can’t read or talk yet.

Myopia management for children

Children can use 'myopia management’ products to help control their condition. This involves using contact lenses or glasses lenses specially designed to help minimise progression specifically in children.

Specsavers offers myopia management glasses lenses or contact lenses and our eye care professionals will talk you through both options and help you to pick the best one for your child.

Alongside glasses or contact lenses, other ways to help manage myopia include:

• Encouraging them to spend at least two hours outdoors daily

• Limiting screen time

• Taking breaks from close‑up tasks

• Ensuring they get a good night's sleep

Complications

Most instances of myopia are fairly mild and can be easily treated. However, people with severe cases could be at a risk of developing other eye conditions such as:

• Glaucoma – an eye disease which damages the optic nerve, causing blurry vision.

• Retinal detachment – a serious eye condition which can affect your vision and potentially lead to vision loss.

• Cataracts – a common condition which causes blurred or cloudy vision

Should you be at risk of developing these issues, regular eye tests including an OCT scan can help detect these early on.

Can I prevent myopia from developing?

Prevention and early intervention are key to managing myopia effectively. While we can't always prevent short‑sightedness from developing, we can take steps to reduce the risk and slow its progression:

• Get outside for 2 hours a day

• Take breaks from screens

• Book regular eye checks

• Be aware of family history and discuss it with your optometrist.