Making Sense of Myopia
People with myopia see clear, crisp close-up objects, but far-away items appear blurry. Also known as nearsightedness, myopia is on the rise around the world.
Currently, more than 30% of Canadians live with myopia and the number of children diagnosed with the condition increases daily.
Myopia can make vision challenging for children, and they may struggle in school or in sports as a result. People with high myopia are at an increased risk of developing other serious vision conditions, such as retinal detachment or open-angle glaucoma.
It’s important to bring your child for a regular, comprehensive eye exam in order to detect the presence of myopia early on. If you’re curious about myopia and myopia control, we’re here to answer all your questions. We also highly recommend reading My Kids Vision, which is an excellent and in-depth myopia resource.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved. The irregular shape causes light to focus improperly on the retina, leading to blurry vision at a distance.
Genetics may play a role in the development of myopia, but what exactly causes the eyeball to elongate is a complex issue. The risk of developing myopia appears to increase when children do not spend enough time outside.
Recent studies show that the risk of developing myopia decreases with outdoor activity, though no amount of time spent outside will reduce or reverse the condition if it has already developed.
Limiting the use of electronic screens may also prevent the onset of myopia. Following a regular schedule for children’s eye exams is important for diagnosing and detecting nearsightedness. Book your child in for an eye exam today.
Why Does Myopia Matter?
Approximately 80% of what children learn happens through their vision. If kids are having a difficult time seeing in class, or reading words on a page, they may struggle in school.
Children with undiagnosed vision problems like myopia may be unable to keep pace scholastically with their peers. They may also be misdiagnosed with ADHD or another behavioural disorder.
A routine eye exam can detect the presence of myopia, as well as other vision conditions. Our team at Brantford Eye Care can provide recommendations for myopia control methods, corrective eyewear to help your child see, or even recommend options such as vision therapy for situations beyond myopia.
Myopia Management with MYAH
The MYAH by Topcon Healthcare is an all-in-one device that offers the measurement capabilities required to support myopia control services, contact lens fitting, and dry eye assessment, making it a versatile and invaluable tool.
The MYAH helps in managing myopia in children by taking axial length measurements—the length of the eye from front to back. Analyzing the changes in a child’s axial length over time allows us to determine whether they would be a good candidate for the different myopia control methods we offer.
Our Methods of Myopia Control
There is no cure for myopia, but at Brantford Eye Care, we can employ one of several methods to control the condition.
Atropine
CooperVision MiSight Contact Lenses
MiSight contact lenses by CooperVision are proven to slow myopia progression by up to 59% in children. These lenses are soft, daily disposable contact lenses that use peripheral defocus technology to prevent the eyes from growing longer.
Wondering if your child has myopia? Learn more from CooperVision or book their eye exam today.
Essilor Stellest Eyewear Lenses
Stellest lenses by Essilor use a lens design that combines clear central vision with a surrounding zone of tiny lens segments (called HALT technology). The lens segments create a defocus pattern to prevent the eye from growing too quickly. When worn 12 hours a day, they have been shown to slow myopia progression by 67% on average compared to regular glasses.
Detect & Control Myopia Early
Proper vision and healthy eyes give children their best chance at success in school, in sports, and in life. Once we know your child has myopia, we can begin to control it, stopping it from further progression.
Book their appointment today.
Our Locations
Brantford
- 268 Brant Ave.
- Brantford, ON N3T 3J7
*We’re closed on Saturdays during long weekends, as well as every Saturday in July & August.
Hours Of Operation
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM*
- Sunday: Closed
Ohsweken
- 1721 Chiefswood Rd, Unit 13
- Ohsweken, ON N0A 1M0
Call us Mondays and Wednesdays between 9:00 am-4:00 pm (We are closed 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm). Please call the Brantford location on other days of the week.
Hours Of Operation
- Monday: 9:30 AM – 4:15 PM
- Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 4:15 PM
Our Blog
Chalazion & Dry Eye: How Jett Plasma Pen Can Help
Eye ConditionsAn unexpected bump on your eyelid can be concerning. It might feel a little tender or just be an annoyance you notice when you look in the mirror. This common issue, called a chalazion, is often connected to the overall health and function of your eyelids and may be related to conditions like dry eye […]
Why Buy Eyeglasses From Your Optometrist?
GlassesOrdering glasses online might seem convenient, but when it comes to your vision, convenience isn’t always the best choice. From blurry lenses to uncomfortable frames, many people find themselves disappointed after clicking “Buy Now.” Buying from your optometrist offers the accuracy, quality, and support that a website can’t replicate. Rather than taking a gamble with […]
Can Allergies Cause Dry Eyes?
Dry eyeWith warmer weather comes more outdoor fun, but if you’re someone with seasonal allergies, this is one aspect of summer that can feel dreadful. A runny nose and constant watery eyes can turn an otherwise beautiful day into an uncomfortable battle between having fun and managing your allergies. Rubbing your itchy and swollen eyes might […]
Chalazion & Dry Eye: How Jett Plasma Pen Can Help
An unexpected bump on your eyelid can be concerning. It might feel a little tender or just be an annoyance you notice when you look in the mirror. This common issue, called a chalazion, is often connected to the overall health and function of your eyelids and may be related to conditions like dry eye […]
Why Buy Eyeglasses From Your Optometrist?
Ordering glasses online might seem convenient, but when it comes to your vision, convenience isn’t always the best choice. From blurry lenses to uncomfortable frames, many people find themselves disappointed after clicking “Buy Now.” Buying from your optometrist offers the accuracy, quality, and support that a website can’t replicate. Rather than taking a gamble with […]
Can Allergies Cause Dry Eyes?
With warmer weather comes more outdoor fun, but if you’re someone with seasonal allergies, this is one aspect of summer that can feel dreadful. A runny nose and constant watery eyes can turn an otherwise beautiful day into an uncomfortable battle between having fun and managing your allergies. Rubbing your itchy and swollen eyes might […]
Our Brands
Check Us Out On Instagram
See Our Google Reviews
- Vision Therapy Clinic
- Vision Therapy
- How Does Vision Therapy Work?
- Who Does Vision Therapy Benefit?
- Brands
- Lenses & Frames
- Sunglasses
- Our Locations
- Our Brantford Location
- Our Ohsweken Location
-
Brantford Eye Care
- 268 Brant Ave.
- Brantford, ON N3T 3J7
-
P: 519-752-0121
[email protected]
-
Ohsweken
- 1721 Chiefswood Rd, Unit 13
- Ohsweken, ON N0A 1M0
-
P: 519-445-0000
[email protected]
