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Augencentrum Mülheim
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Augencentrum Mülheim
Augencentrum Mülheim
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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.

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.

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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.

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Editorial team: Augencentrum Mülheim · Last updated 07/2026