Myopia, or nearsightedness, is fast-becoming more prevalent.
The condition, which affects the ability to see close-up, is projected to affect half of the global population – around 5 billion people – by 2050.
Myopia develops most quickly in children, particularly those under the age of 10, with higher rates of progression seen in those with severe myopia.
If the issue is not addressed early, it can result in significant eye health complications later in life, including permanent vision damage. That’s why managing myopia early is crucial, particularly for children.
What is myopia management?
We believe every child deserves to see the world clearly, which is why we’re passionate about myopia management. This includes treatments designed to slow myopia progression by addressing its underlying cause – excessive eye elongation – through methods like specialized lenses or eye drops.
The importance of early treatment
As a parent, recognizing the signs of myopia early and taking proactive steps can make a significant difference to your child’s long-term eye health. However, if left untreated, myopia can worsen over time, leading to more complex and costly treatment down the road. Issues that can develop as a result include glaucoma or retinal detachment.
Treating myopia early can help slow its advancement, reducing the risk of serious complications down the line. Taking action now not only ensures better vision for today, but also safeguards your child’s eye health in the future.
Symptoms of myopia
Children with myopia may assume that how they see is ‘normal’, meaning it’s important for parents to watch for signs. Common symptoms can include:
- Difficulty seeing the board at school or distant objects
- Squinting or blinking excessively to focus
- Complaints of headaches or eye strain
- Holding reading materials or screens close to their face.
Treatment options for myopia management
These treatment options are designed to slow myopia progression and maintain your child’s quality of vision:
MiSight and Abiliti contact lenses
MiSight 1 Day contact lenses offer an innovative solution for managing myopia, proven to slow its development by up to 59%. Designed for children aged 8 to 12, these daily disposable lenses utilize ActivControl™ Technology to slow the elongation of the eye, preventing further worsening of nearsightedness. They’re a great choice for active children who need a convenient way to manage their sight.
MiYOSMART spectacle lenses
MiYOSMART lenses are an effective treatment for managing myopia. These lenses look and feel like regular glasses, but they do more than just provide clear vision – they also help slow the progression of myopia. Using special technology, MiYOSMART creates a unique treatment area that targets the peripheral vision, which slows the growth of the eye. Studies show that these lenses can reduce the development of myopia by up to 60%, making them a great, non-invasive option for children aged 8 to 13.
Atropine eye drops
Atropine eye drops are a pharmacological option that work by dilating the pupil and relaxing the focusing muscle of the eye, ultimately reducing the rate of elongation. Typically prescribed in low concentrations, atropine has been shown to slow myopia development and can be used alongside other treatments to boost its success rate.
