Why Is My Child’s Vision Getting Worse Every Year?
- Hayley Brunsden
- 22 minutes ago
- 3 min read
The truth about myopia and what parents can do to help.
If you feel like you’re constantly replacing your child’s glasses with stronger ones, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining it either.
More and more parents are noticing that their child’s eyesight seems to be getting worse year after year. It’s frustrating, worrying, and often leaves you wondering if there’s anything you can do to stop it.
The good news? There is. But it starts with understanding what’s really going on...
What is myopia?
Myopia—often called short-sightedness—is when the eye grows too long, making it hard to see things clearly in the distance. It often starts in childhood and tends to get worse during the school years.
Children might start squinting at the whiteboard, sitting too close to the TV, or complain about not being able to see faraway things. A quick eye test confirms it: their prescription has gone up again.
Why is it happening?
There’s no single cause, but a few key factors play a role:
Genetics: If one or both parents are myopic, the risk is higher.
Lifestyle: Kids are spending more time indoors, on screens, and less time outdoors. Natural light and long-distance focusing helps relax the eyes.
Age: The earlier myopia starts, the worse it can become over time.
Why does it matter?
Myopia isn’t just about needing glasses. People with high levels of myopia are at increased risk of several serious eye conditions later in life, including:
Retinal detachment – The retina can tear or detach more easily in longer (myopic) eyes, which may lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.
Myopic maculopathy – A form of damage to the central retina (macula) caused by the stretching of the eye, leading to blurred or distorted central vision.
Glaucoma – Myopic eyes have a higher risk of developing this condition, which damages the optic nerve and can cause irreversible vision loss.
Cataracts – People with myopia are more likely to develop cataracts earlier and may have more complex surgical outcomes.
This is why early management of childhood myopia is so important—not just for today’s vision, but to protect eye health for the future.
Can anything be done to slow it down?
Yes! While we can’t reverse myopia, there are now proven ways to slow its progression. Your optometrist may recommend:
Special 'myopia control' glasses or contact lenses
These are designed to reduce eye strain and slow the growth of the eye.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) contact lenses
Custom night-time lenses for children that gently reshape the eye while they sleep—slowing down myopia progression and giving them clear vision all day without glasses.
More outdoor time
Studies show that two hours a day outdoors can make a big difference in reducing risk.
Reducing screen time and near work
Encourage regular breaks from screens and close-up tasks with the 20-20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 metres away for 20 seconds and blink 20 times to keep eyes relaxed and healthy.
What should I do next?
If your child’s vision is changing rapidly, book in for a myopia management consultation with your optometrist.They can assess their eyes using specialist equipment and discuss the best options to slow the progression and protect their long-term vision.
Hayley Brunsden Founder & Optometrist
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