When we first wrote in our blog about Myopia Management over two years ago, it was all quite new. Cameron Optometry was one of the first optometrists in the UK to set up a Myopia Management programme and then became the first in Scotland to prescribe the new MiSight daily contact lenses.
Since then a lot more research has been done into the effectiveness of Myopia Management and we read regular reports about the ‘myopia epidemic’ facing us, as the number of short-sighted children continue to rise steadily. Further research into treatment options for myopia are due to start soon in Scotland, which is exciting for everyone who is hoping to halt the progression of myopia in children.
Our programme is now well-established. We have patients as young as seven-years-old who have adapted well to their lenses and are already reaping the benefits. The majority of patients who, until they started wearing the lenses, experienced a steady deterioration of their vision, are now seeing these changes slow considerably and for some their vision hasn’t deteriorated at all.
We have real confidence in the impact the lenses have. We read all the research and attended the extensive training, but now we are seeing first hand, how effective Myopia Management lenses are.
We have a fascination and love for eyes, but we appreciate people don’t always share our passion and don’t like the idea of poking around in there. However, we’re amazed how quickly children adapt. Working closely with our handling team, they find out what works best for them. Everyone has their own technique, it’s not a case of one size fitting all.
By the time children come in for a check up, they are confident and are so eager to show off their ability. That’s what makes our job so special. We know each child on our Myopia Management programme is reducing the chance of developing serious eye conditions in later life, and they’re embracing it. For the children, they don’t necessarily understand the bigger picture, but they like being like mum and dad with their lenses and many are glad to be free of glasses. For parents, they can take reassurance that they are doing everything they can to give their child the best chance of reducing their child’s short-sightedness in the long term.
Yes, there are those who struggle and it doesn’t work out. For some children, putting a contact lens in their eye is just too weird! But that doesn’t need to be for ever and it’s always worth having another go a year down the line.
Our success rate is very high and we would encourage anyone who is interested in finding out more, to get in touch. We offer free Myopia Management assessments as part of any child’s eye examination, which are free for all children in full-time education. If you have any questions about Myopia Management, you can email us at vision@cameronoptom.com or call 0131 225 2235. You can also book appointments here on our website cameronoptom.com.