The College of Optometrists has forecast that more than three million UK children will develop myopia by the age of 18. The projection, released this year, has drawn attention because short-sightedness in children often goes unnoticed. A child rarely reports that their eyesight has changed, and in many cases they may not even realise it themselves. Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu, a clinical advisor at the College, notes that 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. Screens are frequently blamed, along with reduced time spent outdoors. Lockdowns exacerbated both factors. Sid Sethi, founder of Manchester-based eyewear brand Specscart, explained that parents often mistake the signs for a phase: "Most parents I speak to don't see it as a vision problem at first. 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 too close to objects. Time outdoors is frequently mentioned as one of the few habits linked to slowing myopia's progression. 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.
The implications of this forecast are significant. Uncorrected myopia can hinder academic performance, as children may struggle to see the whiteboard or read comfortably, leading to frustration and reduced engagement. Socially, they may withdraw if they cannot join in activities that require clear distance vision. In the long term, high myopia increases the risk of serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Early intervention, including regular eye tests and appropriate correction, can mitigate these risks and support healthy visual development.
For parents, the message is clear: 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. Specscart, an optical disruptor, designs fashionable glasses that are 70% cheaper than the high street, made in-house at its Manchester lab and sold through its shops and online at www.specscart.co.uk. The company offers free eye tests, over 2,000 styles and free worldwide shipping to 132 countries, aiming to change how we see eyewear.
