What is Myopia?

Myopia, commonly known as short-sightedness, blurs distant objects and raises the risk of various eye conditions throughout life. It's more than just blurry vision; it's a condition that can impact a child's quality of life, from education to social interactions, and can lead to severe eye health issues later in life, such as retinal detachments, cataracts, and myopic maculopathy.

Causes and Impact:

Myopia occurs when the eye grows incorrectly, becoming larger than it should, which results in light not focusing on the retina but instead producing a blurry image. With an estimated 5 billion people, half the global population, projected to be affected by myopia by 2050, and with increasing severity, it has become a pressing global concern.

Understanding Myopia Management:

Myopia management focuses on correcting vision while slowing its progression. Although myopia cannot be cured or reversed, intervention can mitigate its worsening and, in some cases, halt its progression. This management is crucial for enhancing quality of life, preserving occupational opportunities, and reducing the risk of future eye diseases.

Understanding Myopia Control Mechanisms:

Both spectacle and contact lens solutions work by encouraging the eye to grow more slowly, thereby mitigating myopia progression. Spectacle lenses use surrounding zones of lenslets (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments [DIMS] or Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target [H.A.L.T.]) to focus the eye centrally while deliberately defocusing peripheral vision. MiSight contact lenses utilize ActivControl™ technology with dual zones to manage myopia and provide refractive correction.

Effectiveness of Myopia Control:

Clinical studies have shown significant effectiveness in both MiYOSMART and MiSight solutions, with reductions in myopia progression averaging 60% and 59%, respectively, compared to traditional methods.

Additional Measures for Myopia Control:

In addition to professional intervention, lifestyle factors can play a role in myopia control. Spending time outdoors, seeking regular eye care, and taking breaks from intensive screen time or near work can help mitigate myopia progression.

Recognising Myopia in Children:

Signs of myopia include moving closer to screens or objects, difficulty recognising distant objects, and complaints of sore or tired eyes.

Conclusion:

Prioritising your child's eye health is paramount for their well-being and future success. Our Myopia Management clinic offers comprehensive assessments and personalised treatment plans to help your child thrive. Book your appointment today to safeguard their vision for years to come.