More than three million children in the United Kingdom are expected to develop myopia, or short-sightedness, by the time they turn 18, according to a projection from the College of Optometrists. The forecast, released this year, has drawn attention because myopia 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, noted 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 entrenched.
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. Increased screen time and reduced hours spent outdoors are frequently cited as contributing factors, with lockdown measures exacerbating both. Sid Sethi, founder of Manchester-based eyewear brand Specscart, said that parents often mistake the early signs for a passing phase. "Most parents I speak to don't see it as a vision problem at first," Sethi said. "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 repeatedly mentioned as one of the few habits linked to slowing the progression of myopia. 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 extend beyond individual families. Uncorrected myopia can hinder academic performance, limit participation in sports and other activities, and potentially lead to more serious eye conditions later in life. For the eyewear industry, the projection signals a growing demand for children's vision correction, particularly for affordable and accessible options. Specscart, which designs fashionable glasses that it says are 70% cheaper than the high street, makes its products in-house at a Manchester glazing lab and sells through three bricks-and-mortar shops and online. The company offers 24-hour dispatch, transparent pricing, try-before-you-buy home trials, and free worldwide shipping, and has customers in 132 countries. It also provides free eye tests and carries over 2,000 styles. Parents seeking more information can visit www.specscart.co.uk.
For parents, the takeaway is clear: early detection and intervention are simple and effective. Booking an eye test and, if needed, obtaining prescription glasses can make a significant difference in a child's daily life and long-term eye health. As Sethi put it, looking after a child's eyes with regular eye tests should be as routine as taking them to the dentist.
