Myopia is a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry, but close-up objects are clear. This occurs when the eye is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina. Myopia is becoming increasingly common in children and, if left untreated, can worsen over time.
Refractive errors occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, leading to blurry vision. There are three main types of refractive errors:

Hyperopia (Long-sightedness)
Hyperopia is when distant objects may appear clearer than near objects. In hyperopia, light focuses behind the retina, often because the eye is too short or the cornea is too flat. Children with hyperopia may struggle with tasks like reading or writing, and can experience eye strain, headaches, or fatigue when doing such activities.
Corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, can help bring light into proper focus on the retina, improving both near and far vision.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, causing light to focus on multiple points instead of a single point on the retina. This leads to blurry or distorted vision at all distances. Astigmatism can occur on its own or alongside other refractive errors like myopia or hyperopia.
Astigmatism can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or in some cases, refractive surgery.
Each condition affects vision in different ways, and all can be easily diagnosed and treated by your optometrist.
Signs and Symptoms of Refractive Errors
It can be difficult for children to express when they are having vision issues, so it’s important to watch for the following signs:
- Blurry vision, especially for distant or close objects
- Squinting or frequently rubbing eyes
- Complaints of eye strain or headaches
- Difficulty reading or focusing on close-up tasks
- Tilting the head or covering one eye to see better
- Avoiding activities that require good vision, such as reading, sports, or screen time
What You Can Do
- Monitor your child’s vision for signs like squinting or complaining of blurry vision.
- Schedule regular eye exams to catch any changes in your child’s vision, as their eyesight can change quickly.
- Encourage good eye habits, like taking breaks when doing near-vision tasks and encouraging outdoor play.
- Follow the optometrist’s recommendations for corrective eyewear or treatments.
- Book an appointment if you think your child might be struggling with their vision, even if they don’t complain.
- Myopia (short-sightedness) is the most common refractive error. Download our guide to learn more about myopia and how to help your child.