MYOPIA (Short-sightedness) MANAGEMENT

WHAT is MYOPIA? (SHORT SIGHTEDNESS)

Myopia is the clinical term for being short-sighted. Patients who are short-sighted struggle to see clearly in the distance without there glasses/contact lenses. Myopia is linked to the length of the eye internally from front to back (Axial length). The longer the axial length the more short-sighted a patient is.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) it is estimated that 30% of the worlds population is affected by myopia, with projects expecting 50% of the population to be myopic by 2050.

Sage Opticians take myopia progression very seriously and hence have carefully used scientific backed products within our practice to help our young patients who are short-sighted.

WHAT CAUSES MYOPIA? (SHORT SIGHTEDNESS)

There are a number of reasons why myopia may develop. The exact cause is unknown. Genetics play a strong role with a child being 3x more likely to suffer with myopia if one parent is myopic, this doubles to 6x if both parents are myopic.

Strong new data all supports the impact of environmental factors causing an increase in progressive myopia with increased educational demands and urbanisation of society. Example of this include increased near work, use of technological devices and reduced time spent outdoors.

Currently there is no solution to reverse short-sightedness, option such as laser surgery may correct the vision but they do alter the internal length of the eye thus do not reduce the risk of conditions related to myopia. Fortunately here at Sage Opticians we have invested in technology that is clinically backed with years of research to slow down the progression of myopia.

Miyosmart spectacle lenses and MiSight contact lenses are two products that are clinically backed to slow down myopic progression if used in the right conditions. Statistics have shown myopia management tools to reduce myopia progression by up to 60%.

Our Optometrists are accredited to fit and supply such products, below is more information on each product:

What are the solutions for my child’s myopia? 

  • MIYOSMART SPECTACLE LENSES

    Miyosmart spectacle lenses work non-invasively using D.I.M.S (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segment) technology. This means that the centre of the lens has the childs exact prescription with multiple pockets of defocused zones spread evenly on the outside of this centre zone in a ring shape to limit the progression of short-sightedness. The combination of the focused centre zone and treatment ring zone provide the child with clear vision and myopia management simultaneously.

  • MiSight® Contact lenses

    Using a soft daily disposable contact lens MiSight uses Active Control technology to manage myopia progression. This is done using a dual zone. There are two zones within the lens that have the child’s exact prescription and two zones that are defocused. It is believed that using prolonged myopic defocus it can halt axial length increases thus reducing the risk of progressing short-sightedness.