Myopia in Children – Slow down myopia progression and protecting long-term vision.

At Coleman Opticians, we often meet parents worried about their child’s eyesight.

Many are surprised to learn that blurred distance vision in children is usually caused by myopia (short-sightedness).

Myopia in children is more than just needing glasses—it’s a condition that can worsen as your child grows, increasing their risk of serious eye problems in later life.

The good news is that with the right support and specialist lenses, we can slow down this progression.

What is myopia in children?

Myopia, or short-sightedness, is a common condition where distant objects appear blurred, while close-up objects remain clear.

For children, this often shows up as:

• Difficulty seeing the whiteboard at school

• Sitting close to the television

• Squinting or rubbing their eyes

• Complaints of headaches or tired eyes

Glasses and contact lenses correct the blur, but they don’t stop the condition itself from getting worse. That’s why myopia management is so important.

How common is childhood myopia?

The number of children affected by myopia has risen dramatically in recent years.

• In the Western world, cases have grown from 20% to 40% in just 25 years.

• In some Asian countries, as many as 90% of young people are short-sighted.

• By 2050, experts predict that half the world’s population will be myopic.

This isn’t just about needing stronger glasses—early-onset myopia means a higher prescription later in life, and that comes with increased risks for eye health

What causes myopia in children?

Slowing myopia in children – Support services from Coleman Opticians in Norwich

Myopia usually begins in childhood. The main risk factors are:

• Family history – Children with one or both parents who are short-sighted are more likely to develop myopia.

• Screen time and close work – Long hours on tablets, phones, or books can contribute to myopia.

• Ethnicity – Children of East Asian background are more likely to develop short-sightedness.

• Lack of outdoor time – Less exposure to natural daylight increases the risk.

Why is myopia in children a concern?

It may seem that myopia is easily solved with glasses, but the real issue is what happens if it progresses. A highly myopic eye becomes elongated, making its tissues thinner and more vulnerable.

This increases the risk of conditions such as:

• Retinal detachment

• Glaucoma

• Cataracts

• Macular degeneration

Put simply: the stronger the prescription, the greater the risk of future sight-threatening problems.

Can myopia in children be prevented?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent myopia, but certain lifestyle changes can help:

• Encourage 12 hours or more per week outdoors – Natural daylight protects eye development.

• Limit prolonged close-up work and reduce unnecessary screen time.

• Use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

• Ensure children use good lighting when reading or studying.

These steps can slow down onset, but many children will still need more support.

Myopia management at Coleman Opticians

Although there is no cure for myopia, modern eye care offers treatments proven to slow its progression in children. At Coleman Opticians, we provide two leading solutions:

MiSight® Contact Lenses

• Soft daily disposable lenses, designed specifically for children with myopia

• Corrects blurred vision and slows progression

• Easy to use with no cleaning or solutions needed

Stellest® Spectacle Lenses

• Glasses that look just like ordinary lenses

• Advanced design that slows down myopia progression

• Ideal for children who prefer glasses or are too young for contact lenses

Our optometrists will recommend the most suitable option after a full eye examination. Every child is different, and we create a treatment plan that fits both their needs and your family’s lifestyle.

Why parents choose Coleman Opticians

When it comes to myopia management in children, we combine specialist care with understanding support:

• Full eye examinations and detailed monitoring

• Access to proven treatments like MiSight® and Stellest®

• Clear, honest advice for parents and children

• Guidance on lifestyle changes to help protect your child’s vision

We understand that hearing your child’s eyesight may worsen over time can feel worrying. That’s why we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Supporting parents with compassion

If your child has recently been diagnosed with myopia, it’s natural to feel anxious. But you are not alone, and there are effective steps we can take to protect your child’s sight.

At Coleman Opticians, we go beyond simply fitting glasses. We provide personalised care, specialist lenses, and ongoing monitoring to help slow down myopia progression and protect long-term vision.

Book your child’s myopia assessment

The earlier myopia is managed, the better the outcomes. If you’re concerned about your child’s eyesight, we’re here to help.

Book a myopia management consultation with Coleman Opticians today and let’s take positive steps together to protect your child’s vision.

Your child’s eyesight is precious—let’s protect it for the future.