Myopia Awareness Week 13th-19th May 2024

Myopia Awareness Week, 13th – 19th May 2024.

Help spread the word, myopia (short-sight) is affecting children worldwide, but we have treatments to slow its progression.

Today about a third of the world's population is myopic and by 2050 it is estimated that could increase to 50%. Myopia, often called short-sightedness or near-sightedness can often develop between the ages of 7 and 13, when children are growing faster. They may complain that the board at school is blurred but there are other symptoms, including holding objects close to their face or sitting very close to screens, squinting, closing one eye or frequently rubbing them and headaches. If your child has any of these symptoms, it is important to have their eyes checked by an Optometrist. All children under the age of 16 are eligible for a free NHS sight test and should have their eyes check at least once a year. There are lots of reasons why so many children are becoming short-sighted. Spending too much time looking at screens and holding them too close, spending less time outdoors, and if a parent is short-sighted. These have all been identified as risk factors for developing myopia. Interestingly, Apple's Screen Distance setting for iPhones and iPads automatically obscures the screen when held too close. Today there are special spectacle lenses and contact lenses that we can use to slow down the progression of myopia but not prevent it. Call us today to book your child in for a free NHS eye test.............

Information courtesy the Brian Holden Vision Institute (BHVI) a not-for-profit research & development organisation.