Myopia Control

Myopia or short-sightedness is when the eye is too long for objects to be focused clearly on the back of the eye (retina) causing them to appear blurred. Myopia often starts in childhood and is common if the parents are myopic, although sometimes there is no family history. Myopia is increasing worldwide amongst children and is thought to be linked with decreased outdoor activity and increased near visual tasks such as mobile phone and tablet use. Myopia is linked with more serious conditions in later life such as retinal detachment, glaucoma and maculopathy.
Although there is no cure for myopia, a great deal of research has been undertaken to investigate ways of slowing down the rate of progression in children. This is known as myopia control and the earlier it is started the better, and should be continued until at least the age of 17 or when all growth has stopped. Children should also spend more time on outdoor activities, aiming for around 2 hours per day, as this has also been found to help the rate of progression of myopia.

Scartho Eyecare offers myopia control daily disposable contact lenses. From extensive studies, it is thought that it is the cells in the peripheral part of the retina that determines how myopic an eye will become. They rely on the type of defocus they receive. If the defocus is long sighted (hyperopic), the cells reduce or stop the rate of growth of the eye. Myopia control contact lenses mimic the peripheral defocus. The contact lenses need to be worn for at least 10 hours a day 6 times a week. Regular checks are required for both the health of the eye and for monitoring the myopia

Please speak to a member of staff for more details.

Myopia control solutions are available from £42 per month. Price includes contact lenses and ongoing professional care.