Myopia Management
What is Myopia Management?
Myopia management is a term given to measures that can help to prevent or slow down the progression of myopia in children and teenagers.
Myopia is becoming increasingly common in younger generations, and as research takes place to understand the reasons behind this, innovative solutions for children have been developed to help prevent or slow down its progression.
At Hassocks Eyecare, we have a combined 60 years of experience in delivering myopia management solutions. These include specially designed contact lenses and glasses.
What is Myopia?
Myopia is another word for short-sightedness and means that objects in the distance are out of focus. It is thought that around a third of people in the UK are short-sighted (myopic).
The condition is usually picked up in school-aged children and tends to get progressively worse, although myopia can also affect pre-school children.
Who is Myopia Management for?
Myopia management is for children and teenagers with myopia.
The child’s age and the progression of their myopia (their prescription) will determine which management option is most suitable for them.
Whilst results vary for each child, on average myopia management may result in a 40 – 60% slowing down of myopia progression. There may also be a lower risk of myopia-related sight loss in adulthood.*
Children’s glasses for myopia
MiYOSMART spectacle lenses are specially designed glasses for children with myopia. Using the latest lens technology, they change the focus in the peripheral vision to help to prevent the progression of myopia. MiYOSMART lenses are usually recommended for younger children (age 6+) who might struggle to wear contact lenses on a regular basis.
Read more about MiYOSMART lenses for myopia management here.
Contact lenses for myopia
Managing myopia with contact lenses is proven to be safe and effective. This option offers children the freedom of a childhood without glasses, whilst at the same time preventing or slowing the progress of their myopia.
There are two options for contact lenses to manage myopia:
1- Daytime daily disposable contact lenses, specially designed to change the focus of light in the peripheral vision to help slow the progression of myopia.
2- Night-time lenses that very gently re-shape the cornea overnight, enough to create clear vision for the following day. This is known as orthokeratology, or Ortho-K.
We’re here to help
If you are considering myopia management for your child, our experienced opticians are happy to discuss the options with you.
Please call us on 01273 843946 or book an appointment.
*Source: College of Optometrists.
