Is Your Child Short-Sighted? Here’s What You Need to Know

Myopia, or short-sightedness, is a common vision condition where children can see nearby objects clearly—like books or screens—but struggle to see things further away, such as the board at school or road signs.

Myopia typically occurs in children when the eyeball grows too quickly in childhood. So, when light comes into their eyes, it focuses in front of the part that helps us see (called the retina) instead of directly on to it. That's why things far away, like the TV, look blurry.

Signs & Symptoms to look out for:

·        Squinting to see distant objects

·        Sitting too close to screens or books

·        Frequent eye rubbing from strain or fatigue

·        Blurry vision at school, struggling to see the board

·        Headaches from eye strain

·        Clumsiness, bumping into objects

·        Avoiding outdoor play, preferring close-up activities

Why is Myopia a Challenge?

• Impact on learning – If your child finds it difficult to see the board at school, their academic performance could suffer.
• Sports and activities – Myopia can make it harder to take part in sports and outdoor play.
• Long-term eye health risks – Higher levels of myopia may increase the chances of developing eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment or glaucoma.

What Can We Do to Help?

The good news is that myopia can be managed! There are special glasses and contact lenses designed to slow its progression. In addition, encouraging your child to spend at least two hours outdoors each day and reducing screen time can help support their eye health. And of course, regular eye examinations are also important, to spot any changes and keep eyes healthy for the future.

Introducing Our Free Myopia Report

At Bayfields Opticians, we are committed to your child’s long-term vision. That’s why we’re now offering a free personalised Myopia Report, where relevant for your child

This report provides valuable insights into your child’s vision, including:

• See Where They Stand – Compare your  child’s eyesight  to others their age using easy-to-read centile charts.
• Vision Simulator – Ever wondered what the world looks like through their eyes? Now you can!
• Lifestyle & Risk Insights – Learn what factors are influencing their vision and how to protect their eye health.
• Understanding Treatment – Discover how myopia management can help slow down changes in their vision and set them up for a lifetime of better sight.

Each Myopia Report is backed by a vast database of scientific records, ensuring the most accurate insights.

Your child’s vision plays a crucial role in how they learn, play, and grow. A simple check-up today could set them up for a brighter, clearer future.

Click Here Book an Appointment Today