Eye condition

Short-sightedness in children (myopia)

Short-sightedness means: the child sees blurred at distance and usually better close up. Most often the eye is too long, so that the image forms in front of the retina. Myopia often begins at school age and can increase during growth.

Anatomical illustration: comparison of a normally shaped eye with an elongated, short-sighted eye

Schematic illustration for explanation – medical approval required.

Why this matters

The earlier myopia begins, the more it can increase over the years. Higher short-sightedness increases the later risk of retinal damage, glaucoma and other eye conditions.

What encourages progression

Little time outdoors, a lot of close work on a phone, tablet or book, a short reading distance, infrequent visual breaks and a family predisposition.

What helps

Ideally two hours of daylight outdoors every day. Visual breaks following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look into the distance for 20 seconds. A reading distance of about 30 to 40 centimetres with good lighting. And regular checks of visual acuity and progression.

A realistic goal

The aim is not an immediate cure, but slowing progression. Which option makes sense depends on age, prescription and progression – we discuss this individually and support your child over the years.

Typical symptoms

The child screws up their eyes
Books or tablets are held very close
The whiteboard is seen poorly
Complaints of headaches or tired eyes
The child seems unsure at a distance

Children do not compare – they assume their vision is normal. Problems are therefore often first noticed at school or during sport.

How we examine

Testing visual acuity, precise determination of the spectacle prescription – usually with eye drops – plus checks of eye alignment and the retina. Over time we check how much the short-sightedness is increasing.

How we treat

Suitable spectacle lenses or special myopia-management lenses, in appropriate cases special contact lenses or orthokeratology, low-dose atropine on ophthalmological advice – always with regular specialist checks.

To the matching treatment →

When you should act quickly

If the prescription increases markedly within a short time, or if your child complains of flashes of light and shadows, please arrange an appointment promptly.