5 Red Flags That Show a Child May Have Myopia

Myopia, also called near-sightedness, is becoming one of the most common eye problems in children today. Health experts around the world are worried because the number of young people with myopia is rising very fast. The World Health Organisation has warned that the global rate may reach almost half of the world’s population by 2050. This makes early awareness and eye care extremely important.

To help parents understand this growing problem, HT Lifestyle spoke with Dr Divya B, a consultant paediatric ophthalmologist. She explained that a child with myopia can see nearby objects clearly, but things far away look blurry. This makes simple daily activities—like reading the blackboard, watching TV, or playing outdoors—difficult.

Dr Divya said that by 2030, about 32 percent of children may have myopia. This number could rise to 40 percent in 2040 and nearly 48 percent by 2050. She warned that this is a serious public health challenge because untreated myopia can lead to bigger problems later in life, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and even retinal detachment.

One major concern is that myopia usually becomes worse during childhood and teenage years. If it progresses too fast, it can turn into high myopia, which carries higher lifelong risks. But early detection can slow down this progression. This is why regular eye check-ups are important, especially for children whose parents also have myopia.

Dr Divya shared some common red flags that parents should watch for:

1. Squinting or narrowing the eyes
A child may squint to try to see distant objects clearly, especially in school or outdoors.

2. Sitting too close to screens
Children with myopia often sit very close to the TV or hold books and smartphones near their face.

3. Closing one eye to see better
If a child closes one eye while looking at something far away, it may be a sign that their vision is blurry.

4. Frequent headaches or eye strain
Struggling to focus on distant objects can tire the eyes and cause headaches.

5. Complaints about blurry distance vision
Children may say they cannot read the board in class or recognise faces from far away.

Dr Divya stressed that ignoring these signs can make the problem worse. Parents should not assume that a child’s complaints are minor or temporary.

Simple habits can also help protect children’s eyes. More outdoor time, regular breaks from screens, and good reading distance can make a big difference. Most importantly, parents should schedule eye exams each year, or even more often if there is a family history of myopia.

Myopia does not have to control a child’s life, but early care is the key. By paying attention to these warning signs and taking timely action, parents can help protect their child’s vision for the future.