Myopia. I suspect you've heard of the more common name, short sightedness. 'Short-sightedness' or 'nearsightedness' are the common terms for myopia - a common eye condition that makes distance vision blurry. It usually starts in childhood and gets progressively worse until the child stops growing.
By the year 2050, it is estimated that HALF the world's population will suffer from Myopia. That's 5 billion people. If left untreated, myopia can lead to lasting vision problems.
What causes myopia?
There are two main factors which can mean your child is more at risk of developing myopia - genetics and lifestyle
Myopia in children increases when parents are myopic, raising the risk by up to 50%
Research shows that more time spent on near-work activities is associated with greater likelihood of myopia.
What can i do?
Regular eye examinations for young children are important to identify and treat myopia early. This may help to reduce the final prescription and the potential risk for future eye health issues.
Innovative contact lenses are now available, plus new spectacle lens technology that help manage the myopia, with an efficacy of around 60% on average.
Intervention is key and it's best to start as soon as possible. We are accredited to help manage myopia in your child.
Morgan P. Is Myopia Control the Next Contact Lens Revolution? The Optician 2016.2. Wolffsohn JS, Calossi A, Cho P, et al. Global Trends in Myopia Management Attitudes and Strategies in Clinical Practice. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2016;39:106-16.3. Glifford P, Glifford KL. The Future of Myopia Control Contact Lens Optom Vis Sci.; 93:336-43.4. Rose KA, Morgan IG, Ip J, et al. Outdoor Activity Reduces the Prevalance of Myopia in Children. Opthalmology 2008; 115:1279-1285.5. IMPACT OF INCREASING PREVALANCE OF MYOPIA AND HIGH MYOPIA The impact of myopia and high myopia a Report of the Joint World Health Organisation - Brien Holden Vision Institute