Myopia Control

What is myopia? 

Myopia, or more commonly short-sightedness, is a common condition that affects over 1.5 billion people across the world. It is a chronic, progressive disease which occurs as the eye grows too long for its optical power. High myopia increases the lifetime risk of serious eye conditions, including retinal detachment, myopic macular degeneration and glaucoma. It is a serious health issue and can cause sight-threatening problems later in life. This is why early detection in children is important as it typically gets worse over time.

The myopia epidemic is real 

By 2050, it is predicted that five billion (over 50% of the world’s population) will be myopic.  

The age of onset is now much younger than ever before. Children as young as 8 now show signs of myopia. Myopia in 12 year old Australian children has doubled between 2005 and 2011.

• 33% of children have myopia by the time they finish high school.
• 4% of these children are much more likely to suffer serious eye health problems.

What are the risk factors for myopia progression? 

• Onset of myopia before 9 years of age 
• Increase in myopia (spectacle prescription) of one diopter/year or more 
• Very high myopia (spectacle correction of -8D or greater) 
• One or both parents with myopia 
• Greater than 2 hours/day on close work (not including school work)
• Less than 90 minutes/day outdoor time

Why does myopia get worse? 

The complete reason why is still unknown.  Research shows that genetics seem to play a part – in other words, if your parents are short sighted, you will also most likely be short sighted.  Myopia has also been linked to our change in visual habits and increased time devoted to near activities such as phones,  tablets and computers.  Wearing the incorrect glasses prescription, or not wearing any at all when you should be can also cause myopia to increase at a quicker rate. Recent research has also linked myopia with less time spent outdoors.

Most parents are surprised how quickly myopia can progress — early intervention gives the best results.

Monitoring Myopia Progression

Progression of myopia over time is measured by assessing changes to refraction (prescription) and axial length (AL) of the eye. Refraction is the power of spectacles or contact lenses and is measured at each eye examination. Axial length, which is a physical measurement of the depth of the eye, can be up to 10 times more sensitive in detecting changes in myopia than refraction when measured with an optical biometer instrument. Axial length is also more closely linked with an increased risk of eye diseases due to myopia than refraction. For these reasons, slowing down axial eye growth is the key goal of myopia control, and axial length measurement is considered the gold standard in research studies of myopia control treatments and specialist myopia clinics. We use the Lenstar LS900 biometer in our clinic to measure axial length, a capability that most optometry practices do not have. This allows us to provide a higher standard of care in managing myopia progression.

Myopia Control Consultation

A dedicated consultation for children with short-sightedness (myopia), focused on slowing progression over time and protecting long-term eye health.

This is a more comprehensive assessment than a standard eye test, allowing us to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you or your child.

Includes:

• Detailed vision and prescription assessment
• Binocular vision (eye coordination and focusing) evaluation
• Eye health assessment
• Advanced measurements such as axial length and corneal topogrpahy where clinically indicated
• Personalised myopia management plan

Consultation fee: $195 out of pocket

In many cases, early intervention can significantly slow progression and reduce long-term risks associated with myopia.

Treatment Options for Myopia Control

We provide evidence-based myopia management for children and young adults. Myopia control is not simply about updating glasses – it focuses on slowing the progression of eye growth to reduce long term risks such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy.

We will reccomend the most suitable option based on your child’s age, prescription, eye health, and lifestyle.

Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) involves specially designed specialty contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. This allows clear vision during the day without the need for glasses. It has been shown to be one of the most effective methods in myopia control.

Medicated Eye Drops (Atropine)

Low-dose atropine eye drops can be prescribed to slow down the rate of myopia progression. These are typically used once nighly and are suitable for many children.

Myopia control soft contact lenses

We fit specialised contact lenses specifically designed for myopia control. We are certified to fit both CooperVision Misight 1 day and NaturalVue Multifocal Contact lenses. Standard soft contact lenses do not provide myopia control. 

Myopia control glasses

We are accredited to fit MiyoSmart spectacle lenses. It is the first spectacle lens that has shown to be equally effective as orthokeratology and MiSight 1 Day contact lenses in slowing down myopia progression. We are also able to fit Essilor Stellest spectacle lenses to help slow down myopia in children. These are suitable for children who are not ready for contact lenses or as part of a combined treatment approach.

Red light Therapy

Repeated Low-Level Red Light Therapy (RLRL therapy) has now been approved by the TGA for myopia control. We offer this treatment for children who find it difficult to wear contact lenses or use eye drops, children already using myopia control glasses or orthokeratology who need extra help, or those with rapidly progressing myopia who need additional treatment.

Which treatment is best for myopia control?

After your eye test, we will take into consideration all factors and determine a treatment plan which is best for you or your child. Schedule a consultation with us to see if you or your child is a good candidate for myopia control.  

What to Expect

Most children require ongoing care over several years.

Our aim is to:

• Slow progression as much as possible
• Reduce long-term risk
• Give your child the best visual outcome

Further Resources

A great resource for those interested in reading more about myopia control is My Kids Vision. The site includes a risk calculator for your child’s progression and up to date information on myopia control in an easy to read format.