Childhood Myopia: Why Is It Becoming More Common?

06 August 2026

In recent years, childhood myopia has increased significantly worldwide. It is becoming increasingly common for school-aged children to need glasses to see distant objects clearly, and eye care specialists warn that this trend is expected to continue unless preventive measures are taken.

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error that makes it difficult to see distant objects clearly. It occurs when the eye is longer than normal or the cornea has a steeper curvature, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

Why Is Childhood Myopia Increasing?

Although genetics play an important role, changes in lifestyle have had a significant impact on the growing number of cases.

1. Increased Screen Time

Tablets, smartphones, computers, and video games require children to spend many hours focusing on nearby objects. This prolonged near work may contribute to the development and progression of myopia.

2. Less Time Outdoors

Numerous studies have shown that children who spend more time playing outdoors have a lower risk of developing myopia. Exposure to natural daylight is believed to support healthy eye growth and development.

3. Prolonged Near Work

Reading, writing, and studying for long periods without taking breaks can also increase visual fatigue. The issue is not reading itself, but doing close-up activities continuously without allowing the eyes to rest.

4. Family History

If one or both parents are myopic, their children have a higher likelihood of developing myopia as well.

How Can You Tell if a Child May Have Myopia?

Some common warning signs include:

• Squinting to see distant objects.

• Sitting very close to the television.

• Holding books or electronic devices too close to the face.

• Complaining of blurry vision when looking at the classroom board.

• Frequent headaches.

• A decline in school performance due to difficulty seeing clearly.

If you notice any of these signs, it is recommended to schedule a comprehensive eye examination.

Why Is Early Detection Important?

Uncorrected myopia can affect a child's learning, academic performance, and overall quality of life. In addition, when myopia progresses to high levels, it increases the risk of developing serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration.

Early diagnosis allows the appropriate vision correction to be prescribed and enables ophthalmologists to evaluate whether myopia control strategies are appropriate to help slow its progression.