What is Myopia?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while close objects remain clear. It usually develops in childhood and can worsen over time, particularly during the school years.
Why is Myopia Control Important?
If left unmanaged, myopia can progress to high myopia, increasing the risk of serious eye health complications in adulthood, including:
- Retinal detachment – A sight-threatening condition where the retina pulls away from the back of the eye.
- Glaucoma – Increased eye pressure that can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss.
- Choroidal Neovascularization – The growth of abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina, which can lead to fluid leakage and scarring, ultimately causing vision loss if left untreated.
- Myopic macular degeneration – A condition that damages the central retina, leading to vision impairment.
Research suggests that slowing the progression of myopia in childhood can significantly reduce these risks.
Symptoms of Myopia
Signs that you or your child may have myopia include:
- Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly (e.g., road signs, whiteboards at school).
- Squinting to see distant objects.
- Eye strain and fatigue, especially after prolonged screen time.
- Frequent headaches due to excessive focusing.
If you notice these symptoms, a comprehensive eye exam is recommended.
Our Myopia Control Solutions
At Boots Opticians Hammersmith, we provide evidence-based strategies to slow the progression of myopia and protect long-term eye health.
1. Myopia Control Contact Lenses
Specialized contact lenses, such as orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses and dual-focus soft contact lenses, are designed to reshape the cornea overnight or control peripheral defocus, reducing myopia progression.
2. Myopia Control Glasses
We offer specially designed myopia control spectacle lenses, such as Hoya MiYOSMART and Essilor Stellest, which use cutting-edge optical technology to slow myopia progression while providing clear vision.
3. Atropine Eye Drops
Low-dose atropine eye drops have been shown to effectively slow the progression of myopia in children by relaxing the eye’s focusing mechanism. These drops are prescribed as part of a specialist-led myopia management plan.
4. Lifestyle & Eye Care Guidance
In addition to optical solutions, lifestyle adjustments can play a crucial role in managing myopia. We recommend:
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Increasing outdoor time – Studies suggest that spending at least 90 minutes per day outside can help slow myopia progression.
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Managing screen time – Prolonged close-up work (e.g., tablets, phones, reading) can put additional strain on the eyes, potentially worsening conditions like AMD. Recent studies suggest that even 1 hour of screen time can contribute to eye fatigue and accelerate the progression of vision problems. To help reduce strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.
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Good visual habits – Proper lighting, maintaining a healthy distance from screens, and reducing eye strain can all help.
Take Control of Myopia Today
Early intervention is key to slowing myopia progression and maintaining long-term eye health. Schedule an eye examination at Boots Opticians Hammersmith to explore the best myopia control options for you or your child.