11/08/2025
Why more children are becoming nearsighted — and what parents need to know.
We are seeing a rapid rise in myopia (nearsightedness) among children — and it’s happening at younger ages than ever before.
Myopia means your child can see clearly up close, but distant objects — like the classroom whiteboard or road signs — appear blurry.
This isn’t just about glasses; early-onset myopia can progress, increasing the lifetime risk of serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
Here’s what’s driving this surge:
- Increased screen time and close-up device use
- Less time outdoors and reduced exposure to natural daylight
- Extended near work (reading, writing, homework) without visual breaks
What parents can do:
- Aim for at least 90 minutes of outdoor play per day
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Schedule annual comprehensive eye exams, even if your child doesn’t report vision problems
👓 Early detection and proactive management can slow myopia progression and protect long-term vision.
📢 Share this to help raise awareness — healthy vision starts early.
