What is myopia?

Myopia management

Myopia, better known as ‘short-sightedness’ is a vision condition that every parent should be aware of.

For those with myopia, close objects will be clear, while objects far away will appear blurry. This may be due to a number of different reasons: the eyeball may be too long, or the front surface of the eye (the cornea) is too curved, causing light to fall out of focus. The cause of myopia is still unknown, but there is evidence that it can be inherited, or occur due to environmental and health issues.

At Clearview, our optometrists have a special interest in managing the progression of myopia in both children and adults. They are continually educated with the latest clinical techniques for managing myopia in practice, and are able to answer concerns you may have regarding myopia.

What management options are available?

If your child has been diagnosed with short-sightedness, the following management options are available to slow their rate of progression:

  1. Optical Treatments (glasses, contact lenses, orthokeratology)

  2. Pharmaceutical Treatments (Atropine)

At Clearview Burwood, we use the OCULUS Myopia Master. The OCULUS Myopia Master is a quick, painless, no-touch test that measures three key things in one go:

  • Your child’s glasses prescription (refraction)

  • The length of the eyeball (axial length)

  • The shape of the cornea (keratometry)

Most people track myopia (short-sightedness) by watching the prescription get stronger. That helps, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Measuring axial length can give us a better idea of how the eye is growing and how fast myopia is progressing.

These results help us check whether a myopia-control plan (like special lenses, ortho-k, or atropine) is working and whether we should adjust it. Sometimes there’s a mismatch; for example, a child with only mild short-sightedness but a longer-than-average eye may have a higher risk of future eye problems. In that case, we may suggest a more proactive approach and closer follow-up to better protect their vision.

Specialised measurements

Myopia control spectacle lenses

MiyoSmart® is an innovative spectacle lens for myopia control developed by Hoya together with its research partner, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Based on results from a two-year clinical trial, MiyoSmart® was shown to curb myopia progression by up to 59% and halt myopia progression by 21.5% 3 with its award-winning D.I.M.S. (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments) technology.

MiyoSmart® with D.I.M.S. technology is comprised of a central optical zone for correcting refractive error and multiple defocus segments evenly surrounding the central zone (extending to the mid-periphery) of the lens to control myopia progression. This provides clear vision and myopic defocus simultaneously at all viewing distances. The lens makes use of the natural homeostatic mechanism known as “emmetropisation”, whereby the eyeball adapts and shapes to receive focused images as it does for normal vision.

As children are active, there is a need for the lens material to be impact-resistant to provide their eyes the protection they need. MiyoSmart® uses polycarbonate 1.59, a highly impact resistant material.

We have assisted many kids with their first pair of Miyosmart glasses! Visit Clearview Burwood to learn more and get a personalized fitting for your child today.

Dual focus (multi-focal) contact lenses

CooperVision MiSight contact lenses are specially designed daily disposable lenses developed for children aged 8-12 with myopia (nearsightedness). These FDA-approved daily disposable lenses slow myopia progression, offering clear vision and promoting eye health. They utilise ActivControl™ Technology, clinically proven to not only correct vision but also help slow down the progression of myopia over time.

By creating a particular treatment zone within the lens, MiSight contacts manage the eye’s growth and focus, reducing the long-term impact of nearsightedness. MiSight lenses offer a convenient, comfortable, and effective solution for young wearers, allowing them to enjoy clear vision without the need for glasses. These lenses are easy to use, hygienic, and supportive of an active lifestyle, making them a trusted option for parents and a preferred choice for children.

Visit Clearview Burwood to learn more and get a personalized fitting for your child today!

Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology (“ortho-k”) uses custom contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, so that your child can see clearly all day without glasses or daytime contacts. Many of our patients find this great for sport and active days! The effect is temporary and reversible, once you stop wearing the lenses, your prescription will gradually ‘bounce back’ over a few days; clear vision is maintained with consistent nightly wear. For many children with short-sightedness, ortho-k can also help slow myopia progression while they grow.

As with any contact lenses, there is a small risk of bacterial infection, so careful hygiene, the correct solutions, and regular check-ups with your optometrist are essential. There’s no fixed time limit on ortho-k; if eyes remain healthy and comfortable, it can be used for years. To find out if it’s right for your child, book a myopia-control consultation at Clearview Eyecare Burwood.

Atropine eye drops

Atropine eye drops are a low-dose medicine used at bedtime to slow how quickly short-sightedness (myopia) increases in children. They relax the eye’s focusing muscle and may influence growth signals in the eye. The drops do not cure myopia or remove the need for glasses or contact lenses; they aim to slow change while your child is growing. Common side effects are mild light sensitivity and slight blur at near. Treatment is monitored regularly to check effect and tolerance.