More than three million children in the UK are forecast to develop myopia, or short-sightedness, by the age of 18, according to a projection from the College of Optometrists released this year. The figure has drawn attention because myopia in children often goes unnoticed; a child rarely reports that their eyesight has changed, and in many cases they may not have realised it themselves.
Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu, a clinical advisor at the College of Optometrists, said 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 problem becomes established.
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 that it most often begins between the ages of six and thirteen. Increased screen time and fewer hours spent outdoors are widely cited as contributing factors, with lockdowns having exacerbated 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 guidance: 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 a child sitting far too close to objects. Time outdoors is frequently mentioned as one of the few habits linked to slowing the progression of myopia.
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 participate in school like their peers. Waiting rarely helps. For families seeking affordable options, Specscart offers fashionable eyewear that is 70% cheaper than the high street, with free eye tests and try-before-you-buy home trials. More information is available at www.specscart.co.uk.
The implications of the forecast are significant. Uncorrected myopia can hinder a child's education, social development and long-term eye health, and the scale of the projection suggests that millions of families could be affected. Early detection and correction are simple, cost-effective measures that can make a substantial difference. As Sethi put it, "nipping this in the bud is easy. Book an eye test. If your child needs prescription glasses, get them. Then keep checking every so often. Look after their eyes with an eye test as you'd look after their teeth at the dentist."
