Myopia, also known as short-sightedness, is an eye health issue that every parent should be aware of.

Myopia is an eye condition that causes blurry long-distance vision, often called “short-sighted” or “near-sighted”. A person with myopia can see clearly up close eg. when reading a book or looking at a phone, but words and objects look fuzzy on a whiteboard in class, on television, or later, when driving.

Myopia in kids tends to progress or get worse throughout childhood as they are growing. The condition develops more quickly in younger children than in older children, as their eyes are growing at a faster rate. Younger children with myopia may therefore require a stronger prescription more frequently.

Over one-third of the world’s population has myopia, and this could increase to 50% by 2050.

Myopia, or short sightedness, is becoming a growing problem amongst our children from a younger age. If they become myopic at a young age, they will become increasingly myopic as they grow.

This can lead to a higher risk of visual complications and eye disease in later life such as;

Retinal Detachment

The retina is the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the inside of the eyeball like a projector screen. Retinal detachment is when the retina is pulled away from its normal position. Depending on the severity of the detachment, and how quickly it is treated, it can cause anything from distorted vision to permanent blindness.

Myopic macular degeneration

The macula is the central part of the retina and is responsible for creating a sharp, focussed image. If a person is very short-sighted due to elongation of the eyeball, the macula can stretch and tear over time. This causes a loss of central vision like having a dark smudge permanently in the middle of your vision.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition where an excess of fluid in the eye increases pressure on the optic nerve, causing damage. It usually affects both eyes and starts with a deterioration in peripheral vision, which often goes unnoticed for a long period of time. If left untreated, advanced glaucoma can lead to blindness.

Cataracts

Cataracts are when the lens in the eye starts to become less transparent over time. This results in a cloudy patch in the middle of the eye, like a fog. Details & colours become less clear. Cataracts commonly develop in old age but can be present from birth or develop during childhood. With myopia, cataracts can develop in middle age or earlier.)

Why does myopia develop?

Myopia can develop during childhood, adolescence or adulthood, and can be caused by a variety of different factors, some of which are out of our control.

  • Genetics
  • Too much close work eg screen time & reading without breaks
  • Not wearing glasses when they are needed
  • Not wearing the correct glasses prescription
  • Not enough time outdoors

We can now track the growth of a child’s eye, using the latest Biometer and slow down this process with specialist treatments using contact lenses or glasses. Therefore vastly improving your child’s sight.

Find out more on contact lenses

You are now able to protect your child’s eyesight better than ever before, giving lifelong benefits, with specialist spectacles that slow the progression of myopia. Your child will be seen more frequently and have the growth & health of their eyes monitored more closely, using the latest technology.

These additional appointments, bespoke glasses & technology do not come cheap but with the benefit of our Eyedeal plan for Myopia Management the whole process becomes much more affordable/very good value

Find out more on Eyedeal plans