Myopia Management
John Rose has been successfully treating Myopia for almost 20 years with different types of contact lenses
Myopia (short-sightedness) is recognized by the World Health Organization as a rapidly increasing eye disease of pandemic proportions. Recent research shows that if both parents are short-sighted the likelihood of their children developing Myopia is around 1in 2 or 50%, if one parent is myopic its around 1 in 3. In the UK over the last 50 years the proportion of myopic children has doubled.
The reason you as a parent should be concerned about your children having or developing myopia, is that it puts them at a much greater risk of developing serious eye health issues when they are adults. Acting early and managing myopia progression dramatically reduces the risk of eye diseases and the possibility of blindness that is associated with high myopia.
Careful research has found that every 1 diopter reduction in myopia reduces risks of myopic maculopathy by 40%.
It is never too early to start Myopia Management.
If left untreated, Myopia normally stabilizes at about 21 years of age, however anecdotally we do see continued progression even in adults especially those who work in offices or who are spending a lot of time on electronic devices, and once it has developed Myopia is not reversible.
The best method to identify and manage Myopia is to have regular annual comprehensive eye health examinations as soon as your child starts going to school and certainly by age five or six. Then, undertake ongoing Myopia monitoring and treatment as recommended by the Optometrist.
John Rose has been successfully treating Myopia for almost 20 years with different types of contact lenses and now, in collaboration with HOYA vision is pleased to introduce the new innovative non-invasive Myopia Management spectacle lens the “HOYA MIYOSMART”.
ABOUT MIYOSMART
In February 2021 the new and innovative Hoya MiyoSmart spectacle lenses were launched in the UK. It is the World’s first spectacle lens that has been proven to slow the progression of Myopia by on average 60% in children and young adults.
It utilizes an amazing and innovative optical technology, the patented D.I.M.S. (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments) technology from Hoya Vision. The lens offers protection with impact resistant Polycarbonate hi-index material, full UV protection and an anti-reflection coating for durability and easy cleaning.
MIYOSMART is child friendly and easy to adapt to as it is just like wearing any other single vision lenses.
HOW TO SLOW DOWN THE PROGRESSION OF MYOPIA
The most effective methods of Myopia Management are as follows:
1. Myopia progression can be slowed down by wearing daily soft contact lenses. Contact lenses for Myopia Control are proven to reduce the rate of myopia progression in children by on average up to 59%.
2. When not wearing contact lenses or if your children are not suitable for contact lenses, spectacles with HOYA MIYOSMART lenses that are proven to slow down myopia progression on average by up to 60%.
Both the contact lenses and the new MiyoSmart spectacle lenses work by using peripheral “myopic” defocus on the retina to disrupt the signals to the eyes that promote uncontrolled growth, which causes myopia to develop in those who are at risk.
It is also generally accepted that the more “treatment” hours that the contact lenses and now spectacles lenses are worn per day, the more successful the treatment effect.
A minimum of eight hours per day, five days per week is required to make the treatment effective.
3. Ortho–K or overnight lenses. These are rigid contact lenses that act in a similar way to dental retainers and reshape the cornea. This has the effect of slowing down progression and also allowing clear vision during the day without wearing lenses. The disadvantage is a theoretical increased risk of developing eye infections and once the myopia has progressed beyond around -4.50 Dioptres it is ineffective.
4. Low dose Atropine (0.01%) has been shown to be effective, and is most commonly used as a dual therapy combining it with contact lenses / spectacles. However, currently it is not licensed for use in the UK (still undergoing clinical trials, results expected in around 2024) and is only available “off-label”.
5. Have Comprehensive 4D Eye Health check-ups regularly.
6. Spend more time outdoors (especially in early childhood) and drink enough water.
7. Take breaks from screen time. Follow the 30-30-30 rule – every 30 minutes look away into the distance, for instance outside, through a window at something that is more than 30 feet away from you for and do 30 full complete blinks for 30 seconds.
8. Be mindful of ergonomics when working at your desk – proper lighting, comfortable and healthy posture and distance to screen. Try to encourage your children to spend less time on electronic devices and more time outdoors.
The protocol for Myopia Management at John Rose Eye Care
Myopia Management is an ongoing treatment and clients MUST enroll on our in house Direct Debit scheme for ongoing monitoring and management. This is a medical treatment and its success depends on regular eye examinations, measurements and monitoring and is not currently provided by the NHS.
We have been a fully private practice for many years, allowing us to spend more time with our clients and invest in the latest technology to provide all of our clients with the benefits of up to date technology and treatments.
Our fee structure reflects the time and expertise required to monitor and treat your children’s myopia in the most effective manner.
References:
Bullimore, M. (2019). Myopia control: why each dioptre matters. Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, 42(6), e23.
Bullimore, M. A., & Richdale, K. (2020). Myopia Control 2020: Where are we and where are we heading?. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, 40(3), 254-270.
