Myopia or short-sightedness is when objects in the distance appear blurred. This is usually because the eye becomes too long and light is focused in front of the retina. Very myopic eyes are at greater risk of developing serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment and glaucoma.
You are more likely to develop short-sightedness if your parents are myopic. Myopia is increasing worldwide, and it is increasing at a rate caused by both genetic and environmental factors. It is predicted by 2050, 50%of the global population could be affected by short-sightedness.
There is currently no cure for short-sightedness. The aim of myopia control and management is to slow the progression of myopia.
At the vision clinic we are specialist in managing myopia with contact lenses or spectacle lenses.
Two specific types of contact lenses have been shown to change the way that light reaches the peripheral retina and can slow down myopia progression. These lenses have been shown to reduce the rate of myopia by up to 50% in the majority.
The first contact lens option is Orthokeratology
This is a great solution for those who would like the freedom of not having to wear contact lenses or spectacles during the day. Suitable for both children and adults alike. It is successful in treating mild to moderate amount of myopia.
It involves sleeping in contact lenses overnight which gently moulds the cornea, upon waking the contact lenses are removed and the vision is fully corrected.
There are spectacle lenses that also offer slowing down myopia progression by 60%. These spectacle lenses are child-friendly, easy to adapt and non-invasive. The spectacles are worn full time.