Identifying and managing myopia and short-sightedness
Myopia, also known as short-sightedness, is a condition that makes distance vision blurry. Let’s take a look at how to identify and manage myopia and shortsightedness with MiSight.
What is myopia?
For a more scientific explanation, the shape and length of a myopia patient’s eye causes light rays to refract inaccurately on the eye’s retina, meaning images focus in front of the retina, causing the images to appear blurry.
Commonly, in myopic eyes, the length of the eye is longer than it should be, meaning images of objects in the distance are focused in front of rather than on the retina, which is the light-capturing layer of the eye.
“Early myopia management is the key to protecting your child’s long-term vision—clear sight today, healthier eyes for the future.”
What causes myopia?
As we’ve mentioned in a previous blog, myopia usually develops in childhood but it can also affect adults, and the chance of it developing increases if you have family members with a refractive error. Sometimes environmental factors may also play a role. If you or your child is often found squinting, suffer from headaches or struggle to make out distant objects, an eye test is an easy way to identify if myopia is the cause.
Treating myopia
Medical science has made significant inroads in eye care, inventing ways to identify and manage myopia and short-sightedness effectively. One of its tried and tested solutions that assists and, in many cases, improves eye health and eye conditions is MiSight contact lenses.
Often, children lead hectic lives. Between teddy bear picnics and wheeling bicycles, keeping glasses abreast of the nose bridge can sometimes be a hassle for busy little humans. This predicament is where the rubber of science innovation meets the road.
MiSight® to the rescue
MiSight has developed soft contact lenses that not only correct short-sightedness but have proven to help slow down the progression of the condition in children by 59%*. The MiSight contact lenses are one-day contact lenses that are easy to insert and remove, and their soft plastic material means they feel comfy all day.
How do MiSight contact lenses work?
MiSight 1 day contact lenses are a groundbreaking, world-first daily disposable soft lens, proven to slow the progression of myopia in children and teenagers. The lenses use ActivControl® Technology, which combines distance correction zones with peripheral treatment zones that create a myopic retinal defocus. These lenses are incredibly soft, making them perfect for little eyes and allowing children the freedom to carry on with their busy lives.
Make an appointment and chat with our experts about MiSight during your next visit with us.
*Chamberlain P, et al. A 3-year randomized clinical trial of MiSight® lenses for myopia control. Optom Vis Sci. 2019;96(8):556–567. Sponsored by CooperVision Inc.
Read more blogs about eye health.
Meet the Author
Ian Donald
Optometrist
Ian Donald had a vision.
He was going to become a dentist. It seemed like a good plan, until his careers adviser gave him a brochure on optometry. It opened up a whole new world. The eye intrigued him. It fascinated him. Optometry captivated him. And so his whole focus changed.
Ian went on to do work experience in the very office he owns today. While studying Optometry at the prestigious UNSW, he spent hours working in that same office, doing all the things no one else wanted to do. Filing. Filing. Filing.
Learning, learning, learning. It’s part of who he is.
Even today he is constantly training and retraining, studying and staying up to date with the latest technology in eye health.
So what else energises Ian?
‘Riding my bike, being part of the community, and helping people see. It gives me the best feeling possible. We take it for granted, because we do it all day, every day. It’s such a gift to be able to give people peace of mind.’ Read More
FAQs
How is myopia (short-sightedness) identified in children and adults in Manly and Collaroy?
Myopia is diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam that checks whether distant objects appear blurry. You can read more about how myopia is identified here.
What management options are available for myopia in Freshwater and Balgowlah?
One of the most effective methods is MiSight daily contact lenses, which correct vision while also helping to slow down the progression of myopia.
How can parents help manage their child’s myopia at home in Dee Why?
Lifestyle adjustments such as encouraging outdoor play, limiting excessive screen time, and taking regular breaks from near work are recommended. Learn more about myopia management strategies.
What role do MiSight lenses play for children in Brookvale and Collaroy?
MiSight lenses not only provide clear vision throughout the day but are clinically proven to slow the worsening of short-sightedness in children.
When should parents bring their child in for a myopia check across the Northern Beaches?
If your child is squinting, sitting too close to screens, or struggling to see distant objects at school, it’s time to book an appointment. More details on when to see an optometrist.
What are the benefits of early myopia management for families in Manly and surrounding suburbs?
Early myopia intervention helps protect long-term vision health, reducing risks of future eye conditions linked to high myopia.
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Shop 2, 37-39 The Corso,
Manly NSW 2095
Monday to Friday - 8.30am to 5.30pm
Saturday - 8.30am to 4.00pm
Ian Donald Optometrist is a private billing practice. Please contact reception for our consultation fee schedule. Medicare and private health insurance rebates apply.
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