Myopia Control (short-sightedness)
Myopia (short-sightedness) is recognized by the World Health organization as an eye disease that is rapidly increasing.
John Rose Eye Care has experience in successfully treating Myopia for 20 years.
What is Myopia?
Myopia symptoms
How can Myopia progression be slowed down?
What is Myopia?
Myopia is a problem with the focusing ability in the eye. It is when the eye is not able to focus properly on objects in the distance. Most of know it as ‘being short-sighted’. This condition is common and is more likely occurs with members of the same family, i.e. if both parents are short-sighted the likelihood of their child to be Myopic is 46%.
However, in some cases, myopia is caused by a change in the cornea or the lens. Due to these problems, the light rays entering the eye focus in front of the retina instead of focusing directly on it.
Myopia is known to progress and worsen over time as the eye continues to grow if left untreated. The reason parents should be concerned about child having or developing myopia, is that it puts children at a greater risk of developing serious eye health issues in future such as Retinal Detachment, cataracts, visual fields loss, Myopic Macular Degeneration, Open Angle Glaucoma, or even blindness.
The best method to identify and manage early Myopia is to have regular annular comprehensive eye health examinations as soon as child starts going to school. Then, undertake ongoing Myopia monitoring and treatment as recommended by the Optometrist.
Myopia symptoms
- Blurred vision
- Objects in distance appear out of focus
- Squinting and frowning while looking at distant images and objects
- Headaches
- Difficulty reading books, newspaper or other digital devices properly without holding them too close to eyes
How can Myopia progression be slowed down?
Spending time outdoors (especially in early childhood) can slow down the progression of myopia. However, it remains unclear whether the rise in short-sightedness is due to increase time using digital devices, due to light interfering with our circadian rhythms to influence eye growth; both or none of the above.
Glasses are excellent at correcting the distance vision. Yet so far the lens types available have little or no effect on slowing down the progression of myopia.
You may have already noticed frequent prescription changes.
Treated early, myopia progression can be slowed down simply wearing daily contact lenses. 2-week or overnight contact lenses are proven to reduce the rate of myopia progression in children by up to 59%.
Myopia Control clients must enroll on the Direct Debit scheme for ongoing monitoring and management.
