Myopia (Short-sightedness)
Symptoms, causes, treatment, and when to see an optician
Overview
Myopia, commonly known as short-sightedness, is a refractive error in which distant objects appear blurred while near objects remain clear. It is the most common refractive condition worldwide and its prevalence is rising rapidly in the UK, now affecting approximately 30% of the population. Myopia typically develops during childhood and tends to worsen through the teenage years before stabilising in early adulthood.
Symptoms
- Distant objects appear blurred while near vision is clear
- Squinting or partially closing the eyes to see distant objects more clearly
- Headaches caused by eye strain
- Difficulty seeing the whiteboard or projector at school (in children)
- Sitting very close to the television or holding books and devices very close
- Excessive blinking or rubbing of the eyes (in children)
- Difficulty seeing road signs or recognising faces at a distance
Causes & Risk Factors
- The eyeball growing too long from front to back, so that light focuses in front of the retina
- Genetics — a child with two myopic parents has a significantly higher chance of developing myopia
- Excessive close work and screen time during childhood and adolescence
- Insufficient time spent outdoors during childhood — research strongly links this to myopia development
- Rapid growth during childhood and puberty
- Environmental and educational factors — myopia is more prevalent in populations with intensive education systems
Treatment Options
Myopia is most commonly corrected with glasses or contact lenses that use concave (minus-powered) lenses to refocus light onto the retina. Glasses remain the simplest and most widely used correction for all ages. For those who prefer contact lenses, daily disposable soft lenses are the most popular option in the UK, offering convenience and good eye health. Toric contact lenses are available for those with myopia combined with astigmatism.
For adults who wish to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses, laser eye surgery (LASIK, LASEK, or SMILE) is a well-established option available from specialist clinics across the UK. Eligibility depends on your prescription, corneal thickness, and overall eye health. Implantable contact lenses (ICL) are an alternative for those with very high prescriptions who may not be suitable for laser surgery. These procedures are not available on the NHS for standard myopia.
For children with progressing myopia, myopia management is a rapidly growing area of UK optometry. Evidence-based treatments — including specially designed spectacle lenses (such as MiYOSMART and Stellest), myopia-control soft contact lenses, orthokeratology (overnight rigid lenses), and low-dose atropine eye drops — aim to slow the rate of myopia progression during childhood. This is important because higher myopia carries a greater lifetime risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration.
Prevention Tips
- Encourage children to spend at least two hours per day outdoors — this is one of the strongest protective factors against developing myopia
- Limit prolonged close work and screen time, and encourage regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule
- Ensure good lighting when reading or working at near distances
- Have children's eyes tested regularly from around age three, and annually once at school
- If myopia is detected in a child, discuss myopia management options with your optometrist to slow progression
- Adults should attend regular eye tests to keep their prescription up to date
When to See an Optician
Book an eye test if you or your child are having difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, squinting, or experiencing headaches — myopia is easily diagnosed and corrected, and early detection in children allows for proactive management.
Key Facts
- Category
- Refractive error
- Typically Affects
- Usually develops between ages 6 and 13; can progress into early adulthood
- Key Symptoms
- 7 identified symptoms
Concerned about myopia (short-sightedness)?
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Book an Eye TestDetecting Myopia (Short-sightedness)
The following eye tests can help detect signs of myopia (short-sightedness):
- Standard eye test
- OCT retinal scan
- Visual field test
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