Myopia (short-sightedness) is when distant objects appear blurred – like the school board. In children myopia can progress at each Opticians visit – resulting in stronger glasses at each eye examination appointment. Due to genetic and environmental factors, the prevalence of myopia is increasing with the World Health Organisation predicting 50% of children becoming myopic by 2050.

Myopia control is the term used by Optometrists to slow or even stop this worsening of short sight in children reducing the risk of eye problems in later life.

Why Optometrists want to slow down the progression of myopia?

The greater the myopia (over -5.00 dioptres), the greater the risk of eye problems such as retinal detachment, macular degeneration, cataract and glaucoma in later life. Airedale Opticians are currently the only practice in Yorkshire able to monitor the treatment with specialist equipment that allows us to chart the growth of the eye (axial length measurement) using the Topcon Myah Screener.

The table below shows the increase risks of eye problems in later life with increasing myopia.

We allow more time for our children’s appointments, giving our optometrists a better chance to identify and monitor your child’s short sight over time and also allows our Optometrist to provide clear advice to the parent and child – read more about our children’s eye examination