Myopia Management

What is Myopia?

For people who are myopic, near objects are clear while distant objects appear blurry. This is usually because the eye becomes too long to focus correctly.

Myopia, or short-sightedness, has become worryingly prevalent and has reached epidemic levels. An estimated 2.5 billion people will be affected worldwide by 2020*. The condition is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. So, a child is more likely to develop myopia if one or both of their parents have the condition, but the recent prevalence cannot be explained by genetics alone. Unfortunately, a childhood diagnosis of myopia means life-long eye care and worse still, the condition brings with it a higher risk of developing serious eye conditions, such as retinal detachment and glaucoma.

*The Myopia Epidemic – Brien A Holden

Myopia Management

Myopia management is a way to prevent the progression of nearsightedness in children and young adults. This includes implementing a comprehensive approach that combines vision correction and lifestyle modifications such as outdoor activities, healthy diet, and regular eye examinations.

Myopia Prevention

Research indicates that children who are genetically predisposed to myopia (children with short-sighted parents) can reduce their chances of developing the condition by increasing the amount of time they spend outdoors.

It is believed that natural outdoor light on the retina protects the eye from lengthening and therefore becoming myopic. Around 14 hours a week spent outdoors has been shown to reduce the chance of a person becoming myopic – even in overcast weather. Unfortunately, once a child becomes short-sighted, the amount of time spent outdoors ceases to impact on the eye, so exposure to natural light is only preventative. It should however, be considered from as early in a child’s life as possible. Contrary to previous theories, excessive homework or reading are not factors that contribute to the onset of myopia.

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Myopia Control

For children who are myopic, there is currently no cure. The physical change of the elongated eyeball cannot be reversed (even laser-eye surgery can’t do this). That is why myopia control is so important.

The aim is to slow down, or halt, the progression of myopia, and this is becoming increasingly effective, especially in children and teenagers. Orthokeratology (or ortho-k) is playing a key role in myopia control all over the world. Recent studies have indicated that myopia develops at a much slower rate and can even be halted when children are fitted with ortho-k lenses. The results vary for each child, but most experts maintain that these lenses are the best available option for children suffering from myopia.

Common Methods

Some of the most common methods of myopia management include specialised eyewear, contact lenses, therapeutic drugs, and surgeries. Specialised eyewear like Ortho-K lenses can be used at night to reshape the cornea so that during the day one does not need glasses for improved vision.

Contact lenses can also correct near-sightedness but often require frequent replacement due to the risk of infection and other complications. Therapeutic drugs like atropine eye drops can slow myopia progression in children by temporarily blocking the signals that cause myopia.

Finally, myopia surgery is a more permanent solution and involves reshaping the cornea with laser technology or implanting an intraocular lens.

Why is Myopia Management Important?

Myopia management is important to preserve good vision in young people and can help prevent other ocular health issues like glaucoma or retinal detachment down the line. It is important for parents and guardians of myopic children to discuss myopia management options with their eye care professional, who will decide on the best method depending on the individual’s needs.

By incorporating myopia prevention into your child’s care, you can help reduce their risk of myopic progression and protect their vision for years to come. The earlier myopia management is started, the more successful treatment will be in preventing further progression. Overall, myopia management is an effective way to ensure long-lasting healthy eyesight into adulthood.

Signs and Symptoms of Myopia

Signs and symptoms of myopia include:

Blurred vision when viewing objects in the distance
Difficulty focusing on far away objects
Squinting or headaches while trying to view distant objects
Eye fatigue
Headaches while reading or doing close work
Short arms syndrome (holding books closer than usual)

Introducing Eyedream

EyeDream is a form of orthokeratology. These groundbreaking lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the front of the eye. In the morning, the lenses are removed and the wearer can enjoy crisp, corrected vision all day. EyeDream lenses are effective, affordable and have proved life-changing for thousands of people.

Read about Ortho-K

An innovative spectacle lens

This spectacle lens is based on revolutionary Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (D.I.M.S.) Technology

This was developed in collaboration with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2014. MiYOSMART spectacle lenses are easy to fit and look just like a regular single vision lens.

In 2018, MiYOSMART spectacle lenses won the Gold Prize, Grand Award & Special Gold Award International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, Switzerland. In 2020, they also won the Silmo d’Or Award in the Vision category at the Silmo Paris Optical Fair.

Do you have a question for us?

Send us a message, call us on 020 8466 8333 or visit us at the practice.

Send a message

A revolutionary technology

With the exclusive non-invasive D.I.M.S. Technology, the lens provides a full vision correction and has a ring shaped treatment zone to slow down myopia progression

The combination of the focus zone and treatment zone provides clear vision and manages myopia simultaneously.

Designed to suit a child’s active life

MiYOSMART spectacle lenses have an easy-to-clean specific anti-reflective, durable coating. With MiYOSMART’s Eye Shield, young patients get the added assurance of an impact resistant material and UV protection.

Visit Hoya website

Credit for information and images to Hoya vision.

Published scientific studies in the British Journal of Ophthalmology

Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) spectacle lenses slow myopia progression: a 2-year randomized clinical trial. (Published 11 Dec. 2019)

Read article

Myopia control effect of Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) spectacle lens in Chinese children: results of a 3-year follow-up study. (Published Online First: 17 March 2021)

Read article

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      Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An amazing independent Optometrist. I have been with Bromley Eye Care for over 14 years, having moved into the area recently and trying other well known Optometrists. Bromley Eye Care are very considerate, caring and specialist. They have always caring and knowledgeable with contact lenses and glasses. Thank you Vinesh, Neeta and staff.
  
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     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Yasir was absolutely excellent. He was calm, patient and very thorough, and took the time to explain everything in a way that felt clear and reassuring. I didn’t feel rushed at all, and I really appreciated the care and attention he gave throughout the appointment. He made the whole experience feel comfortable and professional, and I left feeling very well looked after. I would happily recommend Yasir to anyone looking for a kind, highly knowledgeable, experienced, and genuinely attentive optician. Naveed was also very helpful and attentive, he arranged the appointment and checked my glasses afterwards, which made the whole experience feel smooth and well looked after. Such a lovely practice.
  
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     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Needing an eye exam because it had been decades since my last one, I chose Bromley Eye Centre because of the unique technology it offered. Naturally I was really anxious going in but Mr Patel quickly put my mind at ease with his professionalism, thoroughness, and friendliness. All the staff seemed really nice actually and I couldn't ask for a better atmosphere in general.

I'm recommending BEC to my family and anyone reading this, because you're in good hands here.
  
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     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an issue with my varifocal lenses as slight scratches had started appearing around the centre of the lenses after 8 months of use. I am careful with my glasses and was surprised that the anti scratch coating had not been effective. My glasses were sent away for analysis and I was delighted to hear that my lenses were replaced at no cost to me. As always, I received a helpful and professional service from the Bromley Eye Centre. Many thanks to the team for resolving the issue with my lenses.
  
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     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely great service received from Bromley Eye Centre and its staff. The process started with a very thorough and unhurried eye test using the latest equipment. All results were carefully explained. Staff were very helpful and patient in facilitating the process of selecting new frames and lenses. No high pressure selling techniques employed. Advice given was useful and informative. There was only a few days wait before the new spectacles were ready for collection. Careful attention was paid to fitting and slight adjustment. The end result - two excellent pairs of spectacles that fit perfectly and give greatly improved vision. Five star service from professional, helpful and kind staff. Very highly recommended. Well done Bromley Eye Centre!
  
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     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently had my regular eye examination here, and I was reminded of why I keep coming back to the Bromley Eye Centre. The eye examination lasted 40 minutes and included lots of state-of-the-art specialist equipment. I didn't feel rushed at all and felt like the optometrist really took his time. The frame selection is very good aswell, the array of styles was great, and the staff were extremely knowledgeable in helping me select my frames. I really recommend the Bromley Eye Centre!
  
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Myopia Management

What is Myopia?

For people who are myopic, near objects are clear while distant objects appear blurry. This is usually because the eye becomes too long to focus correctly.

Myopia Management

Myopia Prevention

Research indicates that children who are genetically predisposed to myopia (children with short-sighted parents) can reduce their chances of developing the condition by increasing the amount of time they spend outdoors.

Do you have a question for us?

Myopia Control

For children who are myopic, there is currently no cure. The physical change of the elongated eyeball cannot be reversed (even laser-eye surgery can’t do this). That is why myopia control is so important.

Common Methods

Why is Myopia Management Important?

Signs and Symptoms of Myopia

Introducing Eyedream

An innovative spectacle lens

This spectacle lens is based on revolutionary Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (D.I.M.S.) Technology

Do you have a question for us?

A revolutionary technology

With the exclusive non-invasive D.I.M.S. Technology, the lens provides a full vision correction and has a ring shaped treatment zone to slow down myopia progression

Designed to suit a child’s active life

Published scientific studies in the British Journal of Ophthalmology

Our reviews

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