Myopia Management

What is Myopia?

Myopia, often referred to as short-sightedness, is an increasingly common condition. People with myopia require visual correction like glasses or contact lenses to be able to clearly see things that are further away. It is considered a global problem, and it is predicted that 50% of the world’s population will be myopic by 2050.

Myopia occurs when either the axial length of the eye (from front to back) is longer than it should be, or the refractive structures, the cornea or the lens change shape. Its axial myopia which results in a larger eye overall, which can lead to the sensitive structures at the back of the eye becoming more stretched and therefore more susceptible to damage and/or deterioration with increasing age, and the type of myopia that may benefit from lenses for myopia management.

The severity of myopia is often closely linked with the age that it started; younger children developing myopia typically show significantly more progression. Therefore, it is important that young children attend regular eye tests even if you have no concerns about their vision.

Genetics plays an important role as well; children with one myopic parent are at a greater risk of developing it themselves, and this risk is increased further if both parents are myopic.

What is Myopia Management?

As the prevalence is increasing, and more children are becoming myopic at a younger age, a lot of research has been conducted worldwide to find ways to slow the progression of myopia. There are some treatments that have been developed that show positive results, and we are very proud to be able to offer the below options at Varcoe Eyecare:

• Hoya MiYOSMART spectacle lenses
• Coopervision MiSight contact lenses

What do we offer?

Our myopia management plan is tailored to your child’s individual needs. Initially, we will perform a full eye test to obtain an accurate prescription, and to fully assess their ocular health. We have specialist equipment to take a precise measurement of the axial length of the eye so that we can monitor for any changes. With this information, we can then discuss the treatment options in depth with you and your child.

Depending on your child’s individual needs, their current vision and eye health, and the treatment option chosen, the optometrist will determine how often they need to be monitored and recommend an appropriate time to review.