Myopia, also known as shortsightedness or nearsightedness, is a common eye condition that causes distant objects to appear blurred. Myopia occurs when the eye is too long from front to back, or when the cornea is too curved. These structural changes cause light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

Myopia usually develops during childhood while the eyes are still growing. For many people, progression slows or stabilises in the late teenage years or early adulthood. However, some people continue to experience changes in their prescription over time.

Managing myopia progression is important because higher levels of myopia are associated with an increased risk of eye conditions later in life. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can help reduce these risks.

What causes myopia to worsen?

The progression of myopia can be down to a combination of factors, including:

Eye growth during childhood and teenage years
Genetic predisposition and family history
Intense ‘near work’ habits such as working on a laptop, reading and gaming
Excessive screen time use of phones, tablets and computers
Reduced time outdoors

Why is my myopia getting worse?

The reason myopia worsens often depends on age.

In children and teenagers, worsening myopia is usually linked to ongoing eye growth. The younger a child is when myopia develops, the more likely it is to progress over time.

In adults, significant progression is less common because eye growth has usually stopped. However, prescription changes can still occur due to changes within the eye, visual demands or other eye conditions.

If you notice changes in your vision, an eye examination is the best way to determine whether your prescription has changed and whether further investigation is needed.

Close up of child wearing glasses looking at a screen in a darkened room

Who is most at risk of faster progression?

Those who are more at risk of faster myopia progression include:

Children diagnosed at a young age - the younger the child, the faster the progression
Children with one or both parents with myopia - a child with two shortsighted parents are five times more likely to have the condition
Individuals with high levels of screen use - such as students or professionals
Those with limited outdoor time - spending less than one hour outdoors is the stronger environmental trigger

Can myopia progression be stopped?

Myopia progression cannot always be stopped completely, but it can often be slowed.

Specialist myopia management lenses are designed to slow the elongation of the eye and help control progression in children. Depending on individual circumstances, these may be available as spectacle lenses or contact lenses.

Regular eye examinations are an important part of myopia management. Monitoring allows opticians to identify changes early and assess whether current treatments are working effectively.

Lifestyle habits can also support healthy visual development. Spending more time outdoors and taking regular breaks from close-up work may help reduce the risk of progression.

Why slowing progression matters

Slowing myopia progression is about more than improving vision.

Higher levels of myopia may be associated with an increased risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma and cataracts later in life. The risk of these conditions increases as the level of myopia increases.

Managing progression helps protect long-term eye health and may reduce the likelihood of serious complications developing in the future.