Myopia
What is Myopia?
Myopia (short sightedness) is a common eye problem where individuals can clearly see close objects, but distant objects appear blurred. This is a result of the eye being longer than normal or the cornea being too steep, meaning light rays focus in front of the retina.
Myopia is not a serious issue, and mainly considered an inconvenience due to the dependence on contact lenses or glasses. However, eyes with a high degree of Myopia are at an increased risk of developing a serious condition like retinal detachment or glaucoma.
What causes Myopia?
It is estimated that around 30% of the world’s population is now Myopic. In the UK, Myopia has doubled over the last 50 years – with rates set to rise in coming decades.
Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long for the eye’s focusing system. That means images are focused in front of the retina instead of directly on it, causing blurred vision in the distance.
There are two main factors which can increase your child’s risk of developing Myopia – genetics and behavioural influences. If one parent is Myopic, your child has a 31% chance of developing Myopia. When both parents are Myopic, the chances increase to 46%. Low levels of outdoor activity and prolonged near tasks are also thought to contribute to Myopia development.
Why myopia control is important
As Myopia increases, children’s dependency on glasses increases. This can reduce their ability to participate in sports and other activities. Also, increasing Myopia can lead to eye health problems in later life. These include retinal detachments, cataracts, glaucoma and maculopathy. Treating myopia early can slow its progression, reducing the risk of sight loss from such conditions.
Symptoms of Myopia
- Blurry distance vision
- Squinting to enhance vision
- Headaches
- Eyestrain
- Difficulty reading signs
- Poor night vision (night Myopia)
If you suspect you have Myopia, please book an appointment with us.
The Latest Technology in Effective Childhood Myopia Management
Hoya MiYOSMART Glasses Lenses
We are proud to partner with Hoya Lens UK to offer the latest technology in glasses lenses – Hoya MiYOSMART. These lenses have been specifically designed to reduce the progression of Myopia in children by up to 60%.
One of the key features of Hoya MiYOSMART lenses is the exclusive D.I.M.S. Technology. This innovative technology is a safe and non-invasive way to reduce Myopia progression and correct visual defects on the entire surface of the lens. The lens also has a ring-shaped treatment area, which further slows down Myopia progression. The alternating focus and defocus areas provide clear vision while managing Myopia at the same time.
The lenses come with a special anti-reflective, durable coating that is easy to wipe and offers added protection against impact and UV rays with its Eye Shield.
MiSight Contact Lenses
These daily disposable contact lenses are the first of their kind, scientifically proven to slow the progression of Myopia in children by up to 59%. The dual-focus design allows for clear vision while reducing Myopia progression and slowing eyeball growth. MiSight lenses are child-friendly and comfortable to wear, making them suitable for children as young as eight years old.
As daily disposables, MiSight lenses offer significant benefits in terms of eye health and convenience, with no complicated cleaning and disinfecting routines involved.
A pair of glasses are still necessary to give young eyes a rest once a week, and we recommend Hoya MiYOSMART glasses lenses for maintaining Myopia management.
Eye Health
Cataracts
Cataracts cause clouding of the lens, resulting in blurred vision. We offer cataract evaluations and advanced surgical options to restore your vision and improve your quality of life.
Diabetes
Diabetes can have a significant impact on eye health, causing conditions like diabetic retinopathy. We work collaboratively with your healthcare team to manage and monitor any diabetes-related eye concerns.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss. We offer comprehensive screenings and advanced treatments to manage glaucoma, ensuring early detection and care for our patients.
Hyperopia
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, makes it difficult to focus on close objects. Our skilled optometrists can provide accurate assessments and recommend appropriate corrective measures.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration affects central vision and can lead to significant visual impairment. Our experts provide comprehensive evaluations and offer guidance on lifestyle modifications and treatment options to help preserve your vision.
Myopia
Myopia, or near-sightedness, causes difficulty in seeing distant objects clearly. We offer various corrective options to address myopia and provide clear vision.
Nystagmus
Nystagmus is an involuntary eye movement that can affect vision. Our professionals can diagnose and manage nystagmus, providing strategies and resources to optimise your visual function.
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is an age-related condition that affects near vision. We can guide you through available options, including progressive lenses or multifocal contact lenses, to enhance your reading and close-up vision.
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Retinitis pigmentosa is a genetic disorder that leads to progressive vision loss. Our team can provide specialised care and support to help manage the condition and improve your quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you manage Myopia in childhood?
It is important treat Myopia in childhood before it develops further. Here at Safarian and Simon, we offer expert care for children with Myopia.
We have the latest technology in glasses lenses for effective childhood myopia management. MiYOSMART lenses and MiSight Contact Lenses offer effective management of childhood myopia.
If you’re looking for the latest technology in glasses lenses and effective Myopia management options for your child, book a consultation with Safarian and Simon.
Do I need glasses for myopia?
Glasses are the primary choice of myopia correction for most people. Depending on the degree of myopia, you may only need to wear glasses for certain activities, like watching TV or driving a car. Or, if you are very near-sighted, you may need to wear them all the time.
Contact lenses are also available for myopia correction, and some people prefer contact lenses over glasses. If contact lenses are your primary choice, we always recommend you also use glasses for times contact lenses are impractical.