Myopia in Children: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Myopia, commonly known as short sightedness or nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common in children worldwide. Genetics, increased time spent on near work and reduced time outdoors are all associated with its development.

Here in Parramatta and Western Sydney, we are also seeing families seeking advice about childhood myopia and, more importantly, what can be done to manage it. For many parents, the first signs can be easy to miss. Your child might sit closer to the television, squint when looking at the whiteboard at school, or mention that things in the distance look blurry.

This guide explains what myopia is, the signs parents should look for, why myopia is becoming more common and the treatment options available.

What Is Myopia (Nearsightedness) in Children?

Myopia means that distant objects appear blurry while close objects are generally clearer.

It most commonly occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it.

Myopia often develops during the school years and may continue to progress throughout childhood, the teenage years and sometimes into early adulthood. The good news is that we now have several evidence-based myopia control options designed to slow its progression.

Symptoms of Myopia in Children

Most children don’t complain about blurry vision. They simply adjust without realising anything’s wrong.

Here’s what to look out for

• Squinting to see distant objects
• Difficulty seeing the whiteboard at school
• Sitting unusually close to the TV
• Holding books or devices very close
• Complaining that distant objects look blurry

Regular eye examinations are important because myopia can also develop without obvious symptoms. If you’ve noticed any early signs at home, Optometrist Parramatta’s Free AI Eye Symptom Checker is a quick way to check whether it’s time to Book an Eye Test.

What Causes Myopia in Children?

There is no single cause. Myopia develops through a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

• Family history: Children with one or both parents who are short sighted have a higher risk of developing myopia.
• Prolonged near work: long hours spent reading, studying or using digital devices, particularly at close working distances, have been associated with myopia.
• Less time outdoors: Children who spend less time outdoors have a greater risk of developing myopia.

Encouraging around two hours of outdoor time each day, regular breaks from near work and sensible working distances can support healthy visual habits

For more information about childhood myopia, prevention and the importance of early awareness, read our Myopia Awareness Week 2025 guide. 

Long-Term Risks of Untreated Myopia

Higher levels of myopia are associated with an increased lifetime risk of eye conditions including retinal detachment, myopic macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataract.

This does not mean that every child with myopia will develop these conditions. However, the risks generally increase as myopia becomes higher. The aim of myopia control is therefore to slow progression and reduce the likelihood of a child developing higher levels of myopia.

Treatment Options for Myopia in Children

There’s no single fix that works for every child. The right treatment depends on: your child’s age, how quickly their myopia is progressing, and their day-to-day lifestyle.

Here are some common options for treating myopia in children.

• Myopia control glasses – Specially designed spectacle lenses that provide clear vision while helping to slow myopia progression.
• Myopia control soft contact lenses – Specialised soft contact lenses can correct vision while helping to slow myopia progression. They may be particularly suitable for active children and those involved in sport.
• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) – Special contact lenses worn overnight that temporarily reshape the cornea, providing clear daytime vision while also helping to slow myopia progression in suitable children.
• Atropine eye drops – Prescription eye drops may be considered in some children to help slow myopia progression
• Lifestyle changes – Healthy visual habits like regular outdoor time, sensible working distances and breaks from prolonged near work are important supportive measures alongside a child’s myopia-management plan.

Which Option Is Right for My Child?

Myopia management should be individualised.

At Optometrist Parramatta, we assess your child’s vision, eye health, age, family history, lifestyle and rate of progression before recommending a management plan.

Children undergoing myopia control also require regular reviews, often around every six months or as recommended by their optometrist, to monitor how their eyes are changing and whether treatment is working effectively.

Learn more about our treatment options on our Myopia Control Services at Optometrist Parramatta.

Reviewed by Optometrist Parramatta Sunila Dumpala, PhD | CerOcTher (ACO) | B.Sc (Optom)
Optometrist and Director

Optometrist Parramatta 
E: sunila542@gmail.com
Ph: +61 420 356 194 

Frequently Asked Ǫuestions(FAǪs)

1. At what age does myopia usually start in children?

Most children develop myopia between ages six and twelve, though it can appear earlier in some cases. Regular eye tests help catch it as soon as it starts.

2. Can myopia in children be reversed?

No, myopia can’t be reversed once the eyeball has grown longer. But myopia control lenses

and other treatments can slow its progression significantly, protecting your child’s eye health long term.

3. What’s the difference between regular glasses and myopia control lenses?

Regular glasses correct blurry vision but don’t slow eye growth. Myopia control lenses, including myopia control soft contact lenses, are designed specifically to slow the rate at which myopia progresses.

4. How often should my child have an eye test if they have myopia?

Children with myopia should have regular eye examinations. Those undergoing myopia-control treatment may require reviews around every six months, depending on their individual needs

5. Can spending more time outdoors really help prevent myopia?

Yes, research shows outdoor time is linked to a lower risk of developing myopia. Natural light and distance vision both seem to support healthy eye development in children.