The College of Optometrists has forecast that more than three million children in the UK will develop myopia, or short-sightedness, by the age of 18. The projection, released this year, has sparked concern because myopia in children often goes unnoticed. A child rarely reports that their vision has changed, and in many cases, they may not even realise it themselves.
Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu, a clinical advisor at the College, warns that myopia can have a lasting effect on a child's eye health, learning and development. The College is urging parents to act sooner rather than later, ideally before the condition becomes entrenched. The implications are significant: uncorrected myopia can hinder academic performance, limit participation in sports and other activities, and increase the risk of more serious eye conditions later in life.
The trend is not new. Earlier research from the College and Ulster University found that myopia is now more than twice as common in UK children as it was in the 1960s, and it most often begins between the ages of six and thirteen. Screens and reduced time outdoors are frequently cited as contributing factors, with lockdowns exacerbating both.
"Most parents I speak to don't see it as a vision problem at first," said Sid Sethi, founder of Manchester-based eyewear brand Specscart. "It's a kid sat too close to the telly, or a book held right up against their nose, or a child who says they can't read the school whiteboard. Everyone assumes it's a phase. Sometimes it is. Often it isn't, and you can't tell by looking at them."
Optometrists offer consistent advice: book a first sight test around age four, keep up with follow-up appointments even when nothing seems wrong, and watch for signs such as squinting, headaches after screen time, or sitting too close to objects. Time outdoors is repeatedly mentioned as one of the few habits linked to slowing myopia's progression.
If a child is found to be short-sighted, the next step is usually straightforward. A proper pair of prescription glasses, fitted early, helps them see the board and keep up at school like their peers. Waiting rarely helps and can allow the condition to worsen.
For parents, the takeaway is clear: nipping myopia in the bud is easy. Book an eye test. If your child needs glasses, get them. Then keep checking regularly. As Sethi puts it, look after their eyes with an eye test as you would look after their teeth at the dentist. To find out more, visit www.specscart.co.uk.
