The Spectator

We share everything you need to understand about myopia, the effects it can have on your child's eyesight, and how early intervention can help preserve your child's vision for the future.

1) Changes to lifestyle are increasing the amount of people with myopia.

Myopia, more commonly know as short-sightedness, is a growing concern in our modern day society. With more people working on laptops, spending time on screens and playing consoles, the stress on our eyes is growing. By 2050, research suggests five billion people may suffer with myopia.

 This is why ground-breaking research from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is vital in helping us to protect the eye health of our children and future generations.

2) With the right lens you can slow the progression of myopia

Using DIMS technology, and the research from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, HOYA has developed the specially made MiYOSMART lens, that’s tailored to slow the rate of myopia, helping to preserve children’s vision for longer.

 In a two-year clinical trial, wearers of the MiYOSMART lens were shown to experience a 60 per cent reduction in their myopia progression to those wearing single vision lenses.

 The lens is the first of its kind and is made of a collection of smaller lenses that defocus the peripheral vision, keeping eyesight clean and preventing the eye from growing too big.

3) If you are short-sighted, there’s a one in three chance your child will be too

Myopia can be hereditary, and it’s likely if you experience issues with your vision, your child may too. It’s important to book your child in for regular eye tests from the age of two, to help us monitor their eye health so we can capture any problems early on.

Signs of eye rubbing, headaches, difficulty reading and sitting too close to the TV, could all be indicators your child is short-sighted. Get in touch with us to book an appointment to be sure.

Early detection of myopia can make it easier to correct your child’s vision and prevent further problems later in life. We can fit your child with the MiYOSMART lens, which can stop their prescription from worsening.

 The lens should be worn continuously, is impact resistance and coated with an anti-reflective coating for durability and easy-cleaning, and also comes with comprehensive UV protection.

4) Simple changes in your routine can help you protect your child’s eyesight

Slight changes to your child’s lifestyle can help to protect and preserve their vision and decrease the risk of eye problems developing in later life.

Encourage them to take regular screen breaks, we recommend taking a brief respite every 20 minutes. At least two hours of outdoor play, exercise or sport can be hugely beneficial to your child’s eyesight and it’s important to restrict their screen usage by setting time limits for tablet use, games consoles and mobiles.

You should also invest in a pair of sunglasses to protect your child’s eyes from UV. Sunglasses should offer 100% protect from UV radiation, and are advised all year round.

5) The MiYOSMART lens can be fitted to most spectacle frames

We can help you find the perfect lens that’s ideal for your child. Our dispensing opticians can recommend which lenses will be best for them, and help find a frame in a style and colour they like and fits comfortably.

We can recommend a suitable eyecare routine and will book follow-up appointments every six months to ensure everything is ok with the lens, alter the prescription if needed and ensure you have the best access to aftercare and eye advice that you need.

You can book an eye exam with us online or over the phone. You’ll need to book ahead before visiting, follow in store social-distancing guidelines and arrive wearing a mask. We’re doing all we can to help keep our patients and staff safe during the pandemic.

Explore our website to find your nearest Eye Place or book an eye examination online.

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