Myopia control clinic
Judith Roberts Opticians offers a myopia (short sighted) management clinic and we have been active in this developing field since 2007.
Orthokeratology has been the main treatment used, however we were the first practice in Wales to offer MiSight daily disposable lenses. We are now able to offer the Hoya Miyosmart spectacle lens and the Essilor Stellest spectacle lens.
Did you know that:
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Myopia(short sightedness) is becoming a global epidemic.
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Over 70% of 12- to 14-year-olds in China are short-sighted
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The prevalence of myopia has more than doubled in the UK in the last 50 years.
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50-53% of university students in the UK currently are myopic
Did you know that by 2050, current estimates suggest that 50% of the global population will be short sighted.
The World Health Organisation has highlighted the increase in myopia worldwide as a major concern for the eye health of the developed world
We use techniques, scientifically validated, that can slow down the rate of progression of myopia.
Why is this important?
There are significant health impacts associated with the development of myopia or short sightedness. The main causes of myopia are genetic and environmental and these can have profound effects on vision and life, leading to developments of eye diseases such as maculopathies, glaucomas and retinal detachments later in life.
Myopia can develop at any age but most commonly occurs in children as they reach puberty. We now have, clear evidence based, treatments for slowing the progression of myopia. Slowing myopia progression by only 1 dioptre can reduce the likelihood a patient developing myopic maculopathy by 40% and this benefit accrues regardless of the level of the myopia.
Early treatment of increasing myopia can have profound long term benefits for a child. Austin and Hannah have been using these treatments since 2007.
It is very important to emphasise that one of the most significant things any parent can do for a child is to encourage time outdoors.
This is an excellent website produced by Drs Paul and Kate Gifford who are at the forefront on myopia management:
What are the treatments?
Our products and services are unique, individual, personalised, and we design them to offer you the very highest quality.
Spectacles
Progressive and bifocal lenses used to offer very variable results in reducing myopia. The recent introduction in 2021 of the Hoya Miyosmart spectacle lens provides us a clear evidence based means of slowing myopia by an average of 52%. In the study 22% of the patients had no myopia increase at all over a 2 year period.
Contact lenses
There are various types of contact lenses that control myopia including orthokeratology and soft contact lenses.
Pharmacological
There are extensive trials going on around the world at the moment looking at the prescribing of anti muscarinic drugs eg atropine. None of these are currently licensed for use in the UK.
It is possible in the future there will be combination therapies of the above.
The introduction of the Hoya Miyosmart lens is a game changer for those of us involved in myopia management. Until now the only real way to control myopia progression was by contact lenses. Not any more!
Why should you come to us?
We are experts in this field - since 2007. We have the experience and the very best equipment to provide the best possible treatments for you or your child.
If you or your child has increasing myopia please contact us to arrange a consultation where we can discuss the options in much more detail.