Short-sightedness, or myopia, is a common condition making distant objects look blurry
It's usually corrected with glasses or contact lenses
It usually starts in children aged 6 to 13, though it can affect adults too
It often runs in families
It can worsen until the eye stops growing, usually around age 20
About Short-Sightedness
Short-sightedness, or myopia, is a very common eye condition where distant objects appear blurry, usually corrected with glasses or contact lenses. It typically starts in children aged 6 to 13, though it can also develop in adults, and often runs in families.
Signs to Look For
Possible signs include difficulty reading things from a distance, such as a whiteboard at school, sitting close to the TV or computer, or holding a phone or tablet close to the face, along with headaches or frequent eye rubbing. Short-sightedness can worsen until the eye stops growing, usually around age 20.
Visit an opticians if you or your child show signs of short-sightedness, or if it's been more than 2 years since your last eye test.
What Happens During an Eye Test
An optometrist will usually carry out an eye test, asking you to look at a light or read letters on a chart while different lenses are placed in front of your eyes. Eye drops may be used so the optometrist can see the back of the eye more clearly, and if glasses are needed, you'll be given a prescription that can be taken to any opticians. NHS eye tests are free for children under 16, teenagers aged 16 to 18 in full-time education, people 60 or over, people with diabetes or glaucoma, and those on certain benefits.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Short-Sightedness · Treatment
Treatment Options
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
Glasses and Contact Lenses
Short-sightedness is usually treated with glasses or contact lenses, which help the eyes focus correctly so distant objects appear clearer. Glasses suit both children and adults, while contact lenses suit adults and some children — an optician can advise on the best option for you. Some people are entitled to an NHS optical voucher to help with the cost, including children under 16, teenagers aged 16 to 18 in full-time education, and people on certain benefits; without a voucher, you'll need to pay for glasses or lenses yourself.
Laser and Lens Surgery
Surgery can improve sight in some adults, either laser surgery to reshape the front of the eye, or lens surgery to replace the eye's natural lens with an artificial one. This type of surgery isn't available on the NHS and can be expensive.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Short-Sightedness · Managing Progression
Slowing Progression and Possible Complications
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
Helping Stop It Getting Worse
It isn't clear exactly why short-sightedness develops, and it's difficult to prevent, but spending more time outdoors — particularly for children — may help slow its progression. An optometrist might discuss specially designed glasses or contact lenses for a child, known as myopia management or myopia control, though this isn't currently available on the NHS, since more research is still needed. Some opticians may also suggest a special overnight lens (orthokeratology) to improve daytime vision without needing glasses or contact lenses. Talk to an optician if you're worried about worsening eyesight in yourself or your child.
Possible Complications
Young children with uncorrected short-sightedness may be more likely to develop a squint (where the eyes point in different directions) or a lazy eye (where vision in one eye doesn't develop properly). Adults with severe short-sightedness may have a higher chance of developing glaucoma, a detached retina (needing urgent treatment to prevent sight loss), cataracts, or age-related macular degeneration.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
