If you’re a millennial parent, chances are you wore glasses growing up—or knew someone who did. You might remember being told you had “short-sightedness” or “myopia,” and that it simply meant needing specs. But what we know today about myopia has advanced significantly since the ’90s. And some of what we thought we knew? It’s not entirely accurate.
Let’s break down what myopia really is, why it matters more than you think, and what you can do to protect your child’s vision.
What Exactly Is Myopia?
Myopia, or short-sightedness, is a condition where distant objects appear blurry, while close-up vision remains clear. Your child might be able to read a book or use a tablet with no trouble, but things like road signs, whiteboards, or someone waving from across the playground? Total blur.
This occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, or when the cornea is too steeply curved. These changes affect how light focuses on the retina (the back of the eye), making far-away things look fuzzy.
Do Glasses Fix It?
Not entirely. While regular single-vision glasses correct the symptom—blurry vision—they do not stop the progression of myopia. That’s the key concern, especially in children.
Myopia tends to worsen as children grow, with prescriptions often increasing every 6 to 12 months during key developmental years. And the higher the prescription, the greater the risk of long-term eye health complications.
Why Myopia Matters More Than You Think
Higher levels of myopia significantly raise the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including:
Retinal detachment
The retina pulls away from the back of the eye—can cause permanent vision loss if untreated.
Glaucoma
Optic nerve damage, often without early symptoms.
Myopic macular degeneration
A condition that damages central vision.
Cataracts
Clouding of the eye’s natural lens, often requiring surgery.
The higher the myopia, the higher the risk. Glasses help with daily clarity, but managing the condition is what protects long-term vision.
Can Myopia Be Stopped?
There’s currently no “cure” for myopia, but there are proven ways to slow its progression—especially when started early. This is known as myopia management, and it’s most effective during childhood.
Evidence-based treatments include:
Specialised myopia control glasses or contact lenses
These use advanced optics to reduce signals that cause eye elongation.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Custom lenses worn overnight that reshape the cornea temporarily.
Low-dose atropine eye drops
Used nightly to slow down eye growth.
What Should Parents Look Out For?
Early signs of myopia can be subtle. Your child may:
- Squint to see distant objects
- Sit close to the TV or hold devices very near their face
- Complain of headaches or eye strain
- Struggle to see the board at school Start falling behind academically or lose interest in reading.
If either parent has myopia, or if your child shows any of these signs, it’s time for an eye test. School vision screening is not the same as a comprehensive eye exam. A qualified optometrist can detect changes or early warning signs before your child even notices symptoms.
Myth = Busted
To summarise:
- Myopia isn’t just “needing glasses”—it’s a progressive eye condition with long-term risks.
- It progresses over time, especially in children.
- Early detection and personalised management make a big difference.
- There are tailored options available—your optometrist can help find the right one.
Don’t wait for your child to tell you something’s wrong. By then, your child’s myopia may already have already professed. Book an eye exam with your optometrist, ask the right questions and take steps now to safeguard their sight long-term.
Your next step:
Contact us to book a comprehensive eye exam and ask about myopia management options. It’s quick, painless, and one of the most powerful ways to protect your child’s vision long-term.
