Myopia management – an increasing threat to our kid’s vision

The rise in short-sightedness (myopia) amongst children is a growing concern for eye care professionals. As parents, understanding this condition and knowing about the latest treatment options is the first step in safeguarding your little one’s eyesight for the future.

What is Myopia?

Myopia happens when the eyeball grows slightly too long – unlike an unaffected eyeball, which is perfectly round. This elongation causes distant objects to appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear – like a camera that’s too out of focus to capture far-away shots. Myopia typically develops during childhood and, if left untreated, can get worse throughout the teenage years. Eye-opening statistics show myopia rates have doubled in the UK over the last 50 years and experts predict that, by 2050, half of the global population could be affected.

Myopia Risk Factors

• Family history: Having parents with myopia
• Not enough time spent outdoors
• Too much time spent focusing on close-up screens like a phone or tablet.

Long-Term Risks

As well as poor vision, high myopia – when the condition progresses without treatment – can lead to more serious problems in later life. These could include:

• Retinal detachment: When the retina (light-sensitive tissue) separates from the back of the eye, causing sight loss
• Glaucoma: Damage to the optic nerve, potentially leading to blindness
• Early-onset cataracts: Cloudiness that develops on the eye’s lens
• Macular degeneration: A condition that blurs central vision, making it difficult to perform activities like reading.

Managing Myopia and Slowing Its Progression

There is good news – we now have innovative solutions to help manage myopia progression in children. Rather than just using prescriptions to compensate for poor close-up vision, now we can take action to slow down or even halt myopia in its tracks, thanks to several clinically-proven solutions.

Contact Lenses

Myopia management contact lenses are specifically designed for children as young as 8 years old. Clinical studies have shown they can slow myopia progression by up to 59% on average. These lenses create multiple focus points that help maintain proper eye growth. They’re available from £51 per month.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

These specially designed contact lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day without any corrective eyewear. Studies have shown they can reduce myopia progression by up to 45%. They’re particularly effective for children aged 10 and above. The product, Scotlens Nocturnal Night Lens, is available from £67 per month.

Myopia Management Spectacles

These revolutionary glasses are suitable for children as young as 6 years old and are just worn like normal glasses. According to a 2-year clinical trial by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, they can slow myopia progression by an average of 60% compared to regular glasses lenses. Spectacles from Miyosmart and Stellest are available from £42 per month.

Book an Appointment Today

Don’t wait until your child’s myopia progresses further. Book a comprehensive eye examination today to learn how we can help. Early intervention is key to protecting their vision for the future.