Myopia Control

Innovative spectacle lens designs (e.g. MiYOSMART by Hoya and Stellest by Essilor) that are known to slow myopia progression by around 60%. The lens designs alter how light hits the peripheral retina, helping to control myopia progression while providing clear vision at all distances. The lenses also offer UV protection, impact-resistance, and come in a photochromic option.

Specially designed soft lenses that use special optics to influence how light hits the peripheral retina, while still providing clear vision. These lenses slow progression by around 60%. These lenses are worn during the day and are made from the same materials as regular soft contact lenses. We offer three brands of soft, dual-focus contact lenses; MiSight 1 Day contact lenses, Naturalvue Multifocal 1 Day contact lenses, Mylo Monthly soft contact

Rigid lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the front surface of the eye (the cornea). When removed in the morning, they provide clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-K lenses also change how light focuses on the peripheral retina, slowing myopia progression. Studies report a 40-60% reduction in myopia progression with Ortho-K lenses.

Research shows that how light hits the peripheral retina influences eye growth and myopia progression. In a normal eye, light focuses on the retina. In a myopic eye, light from the peripheral visual field focuses behind the retina, even when corrected with standard glasses or lenses. This drives eye growth and progression.

Children who spend more time outdoors in natural light are less likely to develop myopia, or if they do, their progression may be slower.  The exact reason for this protective effect isn’t fully understood.  Excessive time on near tasks (reading, screen use) may also increase myopia risk. We therefore recommend children spend at least 2 hours outdoors daily and limit time spent on near tasks. Genetics also play a role. Children with a myopic parent are at increased risk of becoming myopic, the risk increases further when both parents are myopic.

Myopia typically progresses through childhood and into early adulthood, with rates varying depending on individual risk factors. Extensive research has been carried out to look at the ‘natural progress’ of myopia when corrected with conventional glasses know how the condition tends to progress throughout childhood and how that is influenced by ethnicity, age at diagnosis, family history and other risk factors.  Myopic children are encouraged to book a Myopia Progression Assessment with one of our optometrists to find out more.

No, the Lenstar machine is an optical biometer meaning it does not touch the eye and uses light to measure the length of the eye. The measurements are non-invasive but require the child to look steadily at a small red light for several seconds at a time whilst the measurement is being taken.

Whilst the light emitted from screens does not ‘damage’ our eyes we do know that excessive time spent on near tasks is associated with an increased risk of myopia. Because of the immersive nature of mobile devices children (and adults) tend to spend much longer looking at near than past generations would have done. Excessive time spent on mobile devices may also have the knock on effect of reducing the time spent outside. These features are thought to be why myopia is becoming more common with each passing generation.