Myopia control is the use of specific treatments to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. Myopia control measures typically are prescribed by an eye doctor (an optometrist or an ophthalmologist).
Myopia control is important because it may help reduce the risk of vision-threatening complications associated with high myopia later in life — including glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment and even blindness.
At DH Thomas we currently offer 3 types of contact lenses specifically for myopia control.
1.Orthokeratology – overnight wear of a cornea re-shaping rigid gas-permeable lens. Suitable for prescriptions up to -5.50 dioptres and modest amounts of astigmatism.
2.MiSight daily disposable contact lenses.
Suitable up to -6.00 dioptres and minimal astigmatism.
3.NaturalVue daily multifocal contact lenses.
Suitable up to -12.25 dioptres and minimal astigmatism.
NB. over-spectacles can be prescribed to use with option 2 and 3 if occasional sharper focus is required and there is residual astigmatism.
Some countries offer low-dose atropine treatment for myopia control, but this is not currently available in the UK.
An innovative spectacle lens design for myopia control, Miyosmart, was made available in the UK, early in 2021. We quickly achieved accreditation to supply this CE marked licensed lens design and have successfully dispensed the lenses to several myopic children. More information can be seen here.
This is a fast developing area of optometry and ophthalmology as myopia affects rapidly increasing numbers of people with estimates that 50% of the world population will be myopic by 2050.