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.
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.
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.
Hoya MiyoSmart Eyewear Lenses
MiyoSmart lenses by Hoya Vision are an alternative to peripheral defocus contact lenses. Some kids may not enjoy wearing contact lenses or may prefer glasses. MiyoSmart lenses are effective for most children who wear them.
Zeiss MyoVision Pro Lenses
Specially designed for children’s anatomy and lifestyle, Zeiss MyoVision Pro contact lenses are ideal for ages 6–12. These lenses use defocus technology around the periphery while correcting myopia in the central zone of the lenses.
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
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
(closed July/August and holiday weekend Saturdays)
Ohsewken
- 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
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Many Canadians, approximately 6 million, live with a condition known as dry eyes. Dry eyes can have many symptoms that can disrupt your daily life, like having blurred vision, mild physical irritations, and redness. Having normal changes to your vision can cause you to see eye floaters. Sometimes, with age, the appearance of eye floaters […]
Can I Sleep with Contacts In?
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Brantford Eye Care
- 268 Brant Ave.
- Brantford, ON N3T 3J7
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P: 226-400-7438
[email protected]
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Ohsweken
- 1721 Chiefswood Rd, Unit 13
- Ohsweken, ON N0A 1M0
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P: 519-445-0000
[email protected]