As a parent or carer, understanding how to manage your child’s myopia (short-sightedness) can feel overwhelming. However, with the right information, you can make informed decisions about treatments that will protect your child’s vision. According to the British Journal of Ophthalmology, one in three children in the UK is short-sighted.
We’re here to explain what myopia is, how it develops, and how to slow its progression, with advice on choosing the right short-sightedness treatment for your child at Stephen H Davis Optometrists.
What Is Myopia & Its Causes?
Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than on it. This leads to blurred distance vision, making it difficult for children to see things clearly from afar, like the classroom board and screens.
There are several factors that can increase the risk of myopia in children, including:
- Genetics: If one or both parents are short-sighted, there’s a higher chance their child will be too.
- Close-up tasks: Spending more time on activities like reading, using screens, or doing homework can contribute to the development of myopia.
- Outdoor time: Research has shown that less time spent outdoors is linked to a higher risk of myopia.
Signs & Symptoms Of Myopia
Recognising the early signs of short-sightedness in children is crucial for managing the condition effectively. Some key symptoms to watch for include:
- Squinting when trying to see distant objects
- Sitting too close to screens, such as the TV or computer
- Holding objects very close to their face when reading or drawing
- Complaining of headaches or eye strain after school or extended periods of close-up work
If your child shows any of these signs, it’s important to schedule an eye examination as soon as possible. Early detection is key to managing myopia and preventing further complications. If a child’s prescription becomes much higher as they grow older, they may be more susceptible to developing serious eye conditions like glaucoma or retinal detachments.
Managing Myopia
Managing myopia early is essential to slow its progression and reduce the risk these eye health issues in the future. With the right short sightedness treatment, it’s possible to slow the progression of myopia by around 60%, though this may vary depending on the chosen treatment and individual circumstances.
We offer a range of effective treatments to help manage myopia in children. These include:
Ortho-K Lenses
Ortho-K lenses (orthokeratology) are night contact lenses worn while your child sleeps. These custom-designed rigid gas-permeable lenses temporarily and gently reshape the cornea to correct their short-sightedness, resulting in clear vision during the day once they remove the lenses. This treatment eliminates the need for daytime glasses or contact lenses, giving your child greater freedom in activities like sports and play.
They are considered safe to use as they are only inserted under parental supervision at home and worn while a child is sleeping, minimising any risk of irritation that may occur during their active lifestyles during the day. The effects are also completely reversible – if you decide you don’t want your child to wear them anymore, their eyes will revert back to their original prescription in just a few days.
MiYOSMART Glasses Lenses
The innovative and award-winning MiYOSMART lenses for glasses ae designed with Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) technology. These glasses for short sightedness create two focus zones: one for clear vision and another that induces “myopic defocus,” which helps to slow the elongation of the eyeball over a sustained period of time by up to 60%. This technology has been shown to be highly effective in managing myopia progression in children.
These glasses are worn just like regular ones and also contain a UV filter for 100% protection, are impact resistant and have an anti-reflective coating, so your child’s eyes stay comfortable and can wear them without worrying about damaging or breaking them during daily rough and tumble.
MiSight Contact Lenses
MiSight contact lenses are daily disposable lenses specifically developed to control myopia progression. They use ActivControl® Technology, which features alternating zones that correct vision and manage myopia. These lenses provide your child with clear vision while also being clinically proven to slow down the progression of myopia over time.
Take Action To Protect Your Child’s Vision
By choosing the right short-sightedness treatment early, you can significantly slow the progression of myopia in your child and protect their long-term vision. Whether it’s Ortho-K lenses, MiYOSMART glasses, or MiSight contact lenses, Stephen H Davis Optometrists offers the most advanced treatments to ensure your child’s vision is well-managed. Contact Stephen H Davis Optometrists today to learn more about managing myopia and find out which treatment is best for your child.
