Also known as short-sightedness or near-sightedness, myopia is a condition that is affecting more and more people. It is thought that myopia currently affects around 30% of the world’s population, with the percentage expected to rise to 50% by 2050. The number of children with myopia is increasing across the UK and worldwide, and it is starting to affect younger children.
What is myopia?
Simply put, myopia is when close-up details are clear but things in the distance appear blurred or out of focus. This is because the shape of the eye causes light to focus in front of the retina at the back of the eye instead of directly on it. It is treated by wearing glasses or contact lenses.
Children are more likely to develop myopia if one or both of their parents are short-sighted. Other risk factors include spending prolonged periods on near-vision tasks, such as looking at a screen or book.
If myopia is not treated correctly it can keep progressing and become high myopia. This is linked to several serious eye conditions that can be sight-threatening, including glaucoma, retinal detachment and cataracts.
Managing myopia
Eyecare technology has advanced a lot in recent years and there are now new ways to manage the progression of myopia available for children. By using special contact lenses or glasses, your child’s vision can be stabilised, and by slowing any further deterioration their future vision can be protected. At Stevenson Jones, we offer various options for myopia management.
MiSight contact lenses
FDA-approved and clinically proven to slow the progression of myopia by up to 60%, MiSight daily contact lenses are a great choice for children with myopia. They can be fitted for children as young as 8, and we find that most children take to wearing contacts quickly and easily.
MiYOSMART glasses lenses
For children who prefer to wear glasses, there is also an option for myopia management. MiYOSMART lenses use cutting-edge technology called DIMS (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments), where parts of the lens deliberately defocus while the central part gives clear vision. This technique has been shown to slow the progression of myopia, again by up to 60%.
Ortho-K contact lenses
Ortho-k stands for orthokeratology, a technology that uses special contact lenses to gently reshape the cornea and correct myopia. The lenses are worn at night and work while you sleep so that during the day you don’t need to wear glasses or contacts. These lenses are not known to slow myopia progression at present but are an alternative option to glasses or contact lenses.
Helping you find the right solution
If your child is short-sighted, or you think they may be, bring them in for an eye exam and we can discuss the management options available. We’ll talk through each option and help you pick the most suitable one to suit their vision and lifestyle.
Another thing you can do to help your child’s vision is to encourage them to spend more time outdoors. Studies have shown that spending 2 hours each day outside can help to slow myopia progression.
Book an appointment
To ensure your child’s vision is protected for the future, contact us today or book an eye test to check their prescription is up to date and make arrangements to discuss myopia control options.
01782 619175