Short-sightedness, or myopia, is becoming increasingly common in children and young teenagers. While traditional glasses simply correct blurry distance vision, they do not stop a child's eyes from continuing to grow longer—which causes their prescription to worsen year after year. At Andrea Kay Opticians, we offer advanced Myopia Management services. By using state-of-the-art spectacle and contact lenses, we can actively slow down the progression of short-sightedness, protecting your child's vision and safeguarding their long-term eye health.
What is Myopia Management & Why Does It Matter?
When a child is short-sighted, their eyeball grows slightly too long from front to back. If myopia is allowed to progress rapidly, it can lead to high myopia. This is not just a matter of needing thicker lenses; high myopia significantly increases the risk of serious eye conditions in adulthood, including:
- Glaucoma
- Early-onset cataracts
- Macular degeneration
- Retinal detachment
Myopia management is an evidence-based clinical approach designed to slow down this eyeball elongation. By starting treatment early, we can reduce their final prescription, meaning they will enjoy better vision and a lower risk of future eye health complications.
Advanced Treatments We Offer
We utilise the latest, clinically-proven technologies to slow down short-sightedness in children. After a detailed paediatric eye exam, we will discuss the best treatment option for your child's age, prescription, and lifestyle:
- Specialist Spectacle Lenses: These look and feel like normal glasses but use revolutionary lens technology (such as Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments) to bend light at the periphery of the retina, signalling the eye to slow its growth.
- Daily Disposable Contact Lenses: Soft, comfortable dual-focus contact lenses (like MiSight) worn during the day that correct their vision while simultaneously applying a treatment zone to slow down eyeball elongation.
- Lifestyle & Outdoor Advice: We provide tailored lifestyle advice, such as encouraging outdoor play (which has been shown to reduce myopia progression) and managing close-up screen time.
Myopia Management FAQs
What is the best age to start myopia management?
Treatment is most effective when started as soon as myopia is first detected, typically between the ages of 6 and 14, as this is when the eyes are growing most rapidly. However, we can assess and advise children of all ages.
Are myopia control glasses and contact lenses safe?
Yes, absolutely. The specialist glasses and daily contact lenses we prescribe are thoroughly tested, clinically proven, and completely safe for children. Our team will guide you and your child step-by-step on how to wear and care for them comfortably.
Protect Your Child's Future Eyesight Today
If you have noticed your child struggling to see the board at school, squinting at screens, or if there is a family history of short-sightedness, get in touch to discuss myopia management options.
Or simply drop by our practice in Stockport Underbank to book in person and explore our durable, stylish paediatric frame collections.