Myopia Matters: Protecting Your Child’s Vision for Life

Each year, Myopia Awareness Month is an important reminder of the growing number of children in Australia developing short-sightedness, also known as myopia.

If your child has difficulty seeing the board at school, squints to read street signs, or spends long hours indoors on digital devices, it could be time to have their eyes checked.

At Optometrist Parramatta, we’re passionate about supporting local families in protecting their children’s vision.

Good sight is more than being able to read; it plays a central role in learning, development, and long-term eye health.

And when it comes to myopia, early action can make a lasting difference.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia is a common eye condition that makes distant objects appear blurry, while close-up vision remains clear.

It typically develops during the school years and often progresses as the eyes continue to grow.

In people with myopia, either the eyeball is too long, or the cornea (the front surface of the eye) is too curved. This means light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it, resulting in blurred distance vision.

While genetics play a role, research shows that environmental factors, especially the amount of time a child spends indoors, can also influence the development and progression of myopia.

Why It Matters More Than Ever

Rates of childhood myopia are increasing in Australia and around the world. One reason is the dramatic rise in screen time and indoor activities.

While reading and using devices are part of modern life, they are also linked to more “near work” and less exposure to outdoor light, both of which are associated with myopia progression.

Left unmanaged, myopia can progress into high myopia, which significantly increases the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts.

This makes regular eye checks and early interventions crucial.

What to Look Out For

Children don’t always realise they’re not seeing clearly, so it’s often up to parents and teachers to notice the signs.

Your child might:

• Squint or screw up their eyes to see distant objects
• Struggle to read the board at school
• Sit too close to the television or hold books very close
• Complain of headaches or eye strain
• Avoid outdoor play

While these signs don’t always mean a child has myopia, a thorough eye exam can rule out myopia and screen for other common childhood vision conditions.

How Can We Slow Myopia Progression?

While myopia can’t be cured, there are several treatments that have been shown to slow its progression in children and teens.

At Optometrist Parramatta, we offer evidence-based options tailored to each child’s individual needs, lifestyle, and stage of development. These may include:

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K):

Specialised overnight contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea during sleep to allow clear daytime vision and slow progression.

Multifocal Contact Lenses or Glasses:

Designed to reduce eye strain and help manage the way light focuses inside the eye.

Low-dose Atropine Eye Drops:

These drops can reduce the speed of myopia progression in some children.

It’s important to note that the choice of treatment depends on various factors, and your optometrist will guide you through the most suitable options.

Prevention Starts with Play: The Power of Outdoor Time

Spending more time outdoors (at least two hours a day) has been shown to help reduce the risk of developing myopia.

It’s not about stopping screens entirely, but about encouraging balance.

When children are outside, their eyes benefit from brighter natural light, which may help slow down eye growth.

Regular outdoor activity is a simple, enjoyable, and effective way to support better vision and overall well-being.

Why Eye Exams Matter

An eye exam is the only way to accurately detect myopia. The earlier it’s found, the more we can do to help.

Our child-friendly team uses age-appropriate techniques and equipment to make the experience as comfortable and positive as possible.

Even if your child isn’t showing symptoms, regular eye exams are an essential part of health care, especially once they start school.

If glasses or contact lenses are needed, we’ll help you find the best solution to suit your child’s lifestyle.

Let’s Work Together to Protect Young Eyes

Myopia isn’t just about needing glasses. It’s a lifelong condition that can impact your child’s future eye health. The good news is that with early intervention, myopia progression can be slowed, and long-term risks reduced.

If it’s been a while since your child’s last eye exam, or if you have concerns about their vision, book an appointment with Optometrist Parramatta during Myopia Awareness Month.

Together, we can help your child achieve clear, comfortable vision for life.