Myopia Control for Children
Our Services
Has your child become more short-sighted?
Myopia (short-sightedness) is one of the fastest-growing eye conditions worldwide, particularly among children. It occurs when the eye grows longer than normal, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This results in blurred distance vision while close-up vision often remains clear.
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While glasses and standard contact lenses can correct blurry vision, they do not slow the progression of myopia. As myopia increases, so does the lifetime risk of developing serious eye conditions, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic maculopathy.
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The good news is that myopia progression can often be slowed. At Wanganui Eyecare, we provide personalised myopia management plans using evidence-based treatments designed to help protect your child's vision now and into the future.
Myopia Treatments
MiYOSMART Myopia Control Spectacle Lenses
MiYOSMART spectacle lenses use innovative DIMS (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments) technology to provide clear vision while helping slow the progression of myopia.
They are a simple, non-invasive option for children who prefer glasses and are designed to fit easily into everyday life while supporting long-term myopia management.Â
MiSight 1 Day Contact Lenses
MiSight 1 day contact lenses are specially designed soft contact lenses that provide clear vision while helping slow myopia progression. As daily disposable lenses, they are convenient, hygienic, and eliminate the need for cleaning and storage. They can be an excellent option for children who are ready for contact lens wear and want an active approach to managing their myopia.Â
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Orthokeratology uses specially designed rigid contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the front surface of the eye while your child sleeps. The lenses are removed each morning, which can provide clear daytime vision without glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-K has been used successfully for many years and is considered an effective option for slowing myopia progression in suitable children.
Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops
Atropine eye drops are a prescription treatment used to help slow the progression of childhood myopia. Research shows that at low doses, atropine influences the biological signals involved in eye growth, helping to slow excessive elongation of the eye and progression of short-sightedness. The concentration prescribed is carefully selected based on your child's age, prescription, and rate of progression, with regular reviews to monitor their response to treatment.
Repeated Low-Level Red Light (RLRL) Therapy
Repeated Low-Level Red Light (RLRL) Therapy uses controlled, low-intensity red light to influence processes within the eye associated with growth. Research has shown that it can slow axial eye growth and myopia progression in many children. Treatment involves short sessions using a Myproclear device at home, with regular monitoring.
Why is myopia becoming more common?
Myopia rates have increased significantly around the world over recent decades. Research suggests that by 2050, around half of the world's population may be affected by myopia. A combination of genetic and lifestyle factors can contribute to the development and progression of myopia.
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Children may have a higher risk if they:
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Have one or both parents who are short-sighted
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Spend extended periods doing close-up activities such as reading or using digital devices
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Spend limited time outdoors in natural daylight
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Develop myopia at a young age
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Experience frequent changes in their glasses prescription
Regular children's eye examinations are important, as early detection provides the greatest opportunity to slow progression.
Which myopia control treatment is right for my child?
There is no single treatment that suits every child. The best option depends on your child's age, prescription, eye health, lifestyle, and how quickly their myopia is progressing. At Wanganui Eyecare, we take the time to understand your child's vision and create a personalised myopia management plan designed to give them the best possible long-term outcome.
Comparison Chart
Myopia Management Options
There is no single treatment that suits every child. The best option depends on your child's age, prescription, eye health, lifestyle, and how quickly their myopia is progressing. At Wanganui Eyecare, we take the time to understand your child's vision and create a personalised myopia management plan designed to give them the best possible long-term outcome.
Atropine
Ortho-K
Contact Lenses
Spectacles
Advantages
One drop each eye per day.
Free from wearing glasses.
No need to wear glasses during the day.
Put glasses on and go.
Non-invasive
Can be done at home
Only 3 min 2x a day
Limitations
Can take time to get used to daily drops.
Adjustment period of a couple of weeks wearing them at night.
Glasses required as a back up solution.
Vision is blurred in peripheral areas.
May Be Combined With
Ortho-K
Contact Lenses
Glasses
Red Light Therapy
Atropine
Red Light Therapy
Glasses
Atropine
Red Light Therapy
Contact Lenses
Atropine
Ortho-K
Contact Lenses
Glasses
Follow-up Appointments
6-Monthly follow-up appointments.
Appointments at 1, 3, & 6 months.
As required.
12 Monthly Exam.
Initial Follow-Up then at 1, 3, 6 months, and then 6 monthly after.
Book a Myopia Control Assessment
Help protect your child's vision future eyesight eye health
If your child's prescription is changing regularly, or you are concerned about their risk of developing myopia, early assessment is the first step. Our experienced optometrists can discuss your child's options and recommend the most suitable approach to help slow myopia progression and protect their future vision.
Have questions? We're here to help
Explore answers to common questions parents ask about myopia control, including treatment options, safety, and ongoing care.
Myopia control is most effective when started early, while the eyes are still growing and myopia is progressing. The ideal time to begin treatment depends on your child's age, prescription, family history, and rate of change. If your child is showing signs of myopia or their prescription is increasing, an assessment with our optometrists can help determine the most appropriate time to start management.
The most reliable way to monitor myopia progression is through regular eye examinations. Signs that your child's myopia may be increasing can include sitting closer to screens, squinting to see distant objects, difficulty seeing the board at school, or needing frequent changes to their glasses prescription.
Yes. Myopia control treatments have been extensively researched and are considered safe when prescribed and monitored by an experienced optometrist. The most suitable treatment will depend on your child's individual needs, lifestyle, and eye health.
Myopia control is not designed to eliminate the need for glasses. Instead, the goal is to slow the progression of myopia and reduce the likelihood of developing higher levels of short-sightedness later in life. Many children will still need vision correction, but managing progression can help protect their long-term eye health.
Children undergoing myopia management are typically reviewed more regularly than a standard eye examination. The frequency of visits depends on your child's age, treatment type, and how their eyes are responding. Regular monitoring allows us to track progression and make adjustments when needed.
There is no single treatment that is best for every child. The most suitable option depends on factors such as your child's age, prescription, lifestyle, and rate of progression. At Wanganui Eyecare, we assess each child individually and recommend the treatment or combination of treatments that best suits their needs.