CHILDREN'S SHORT-SIGHT (MYOPIA) CONTROL
Short-sightedness or myopia is a sight problem that affects your childs ability to see objects in the distance. People who are short sighted often see near objects clearly, but distant objects appear blurred. Myopia is a problem with the eyes ability to focus light through your eye, if you are short sighted the image is formed before reaching the retina. Generally short sightedness occurs when the eye grows too much and becomes too long from the front to the back, some cases can run in families. Historically short sight has simply been corrected with glasses or contact lenses, but technology has progressed signficantly and advanced option are now available to help myopic progression.
Although it is widely accepted that genetics plays an important role in a child developing myopia (short sight), the rapid increase in cases in recent years, has led us to believe that environmental and lifestyle factors also play an important part in this development. Myopia usually develops most in school age children, due to increased time indoors working at close distances at school, on visual display units, gaming and electronic devices, alongside the normal developmental growth of a child. Studies would suggest (such as the Melbourne study) that children that spend more time outdoors, tend to develop less myopia than their indoor counterparts. At current levels, it has been predicted that 56% of the UK population will me myopic by 2050 (Holden study).
As well as being inconvenient for any person to be short sighted, there are a number of health issues related to high myopia. These include an increased risk of retinal problems, including detachments, that can significantly reduce vision or cause blindness. This is why that moving away from traditional methods of vision correction to treatment is so important for your child.
Simply put, myopia control spectacle lenses and contact lenses contain very specific curves upon their lens surfaces that contain different viewing zones. This enables the child, after a period of adaptation, to see clearly at all working distances. Studies suggest that using these specific viewing zones reduces the rate at which the eye grows, therefore slowing the rate of myopia.
We recommend that any myopia control plan that we provide for your child, should be in conjunction with them spending more time outside to give the treatment the best chance of success.
Myopia control glasses and contact lenses are not covered or subsidised by the NHS and is a private service offered by Dray's Eyecare. After the intial payment for the glasses or contact lenses, a standing order will need to be set-up to cover the costs of on-going treatment.
MYOPIA EYE EXAM
The tests and examinations required for successful application of a myopia control solution, are more extensive that a regular eye test. Many parents are worried that these extra tests are going to be off-putting or uncomfortable for their child, but we have invested many thousands of pounds to make this experience both comfortable and fun. The tests that we will perform are tailored to both your child, their visual processing system and whether you are opting for spectacles, contact lenses or both. Many further measurements of the eye and its performance are assessed during this examination and we use these as a starting point to asses how well the spectacles or contact lenses are performing, during your child’s on-going check-ups. All examinations are performed by specialist myopia management Optometrists, with additional training and accreditation in this field.
MYOPIA GLASSES
The choice of frame to enable successful wear for the specialised myopia control lenses is crucial. In conjunction with independent opticians throughout the UK and myopia specialists, Wolf eyewear have produced frames for this specific purpose that are functional, yet still fashionable and we are proud to supply these frames with all our Myopia Control Glasses. The lenses provided in our glasses are the most important factor in trying to achieve the goal of reducing/slowing the short-sightedness. After many months of research, we have decided on a lens from one of the largest independent designers in the world, that are present in seventy countries globally. To manufacture these very specific lenses, we have chosen our long-term colleagues at Waterside Optical who provide Elysium My-O-Sense lenses and are one of few laboratories in the UK who have the technology, understanding and machinery to produce these lenses.
MYOPIA CONTACT LENSES
Our choice of contact lenses for myopia control in children is a lens called MiSight from world leading contact lens manufaturer, CooperVision. Studies suggest that this is the most successful lens for myopia treatment. Contact lenses can be a great choice for your child as they are very comfortable to wear, give a large field of view and perfect if your little one is active or plays sports. We will provide you and your child with support every step of the way right through from the first initial discussions to wearing the contact lenses. Our specialist myopia control Optometrist, will perform checks to ensure your child is suitable for this option and conduct a full trial to ensure all is well. Our support staff will be by your side and available to answer any further questions and also teach your child how to comfortably and safely use the contact lenses.
You may well have further questions regarding short-sight, myopia control and your child's eyes, please feel free to click the button below and contact us.
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81 Chatsworth Drive, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 9YJ
01295 261080