Myopia, also known as short-sightedness, is a condition that results in blurred distance vision. Unfortunately, rates of myopia in children are steadily on the rise. This is in part due to the nature of modern living; with more time spent indoors focusing on devices and less time spent outdoors using distance vision.
Myopia management and intervention is a new science and evolving scope of practice with the evidence base telling us that intervention needs to start as early as possible, in order to delay the onset and slow the progression of the myopia with the target being minimal progression of the short sightedness over time.
Intervention may take the form of specialty lenses, contact lenses and/or drops in the eyes and during a consultation the optometrists will discuss with parents the pros and cons and best options for the individual child. Myopia management requires more frequent visits to monitor for progression. It also involves discussion about changing environments.
We recommend that children have their eyes tested regularly, even if there are seemingly no signs or symptoms of visual abnormality.
Kids should have their first eye test before they start school, and then every two to three years as they progress through their primary and high school years.
