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A lot of research is currently being done on ways to slow down or prevent myopia (short sight) from getting worse.

Myopia usually develops in school age children and usually gets worse as the child grows and develops.

Some people develop myopia in their early 20's, though they usually don't progress as much as those that develop it as a child.

Family history is important: If one or both parents have moderate to high myopia (ie. greater than -4.00) that increases the risk of a child developing myopia.

Why is myopia bad?

Sure, myopia can be corrected with glasses. Glasses strength can be increased to account for increasing degrees of myopia. However, in the long term, high degrees of myopia are associated with higher risk of eye disease.

The risk of these eye conditions increases if your degree of myopia is greater than -4.00

• Retinal detachment
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Macular disease

Preventing myopia in children

We have orthok (orthokeratology) to be the most effective and popular method of myopia control

• Orthokeratology
• Bifocal soft contact lenses
• Atropine eye drops
• Peripheral de-focus glasses
• Bifocal glasses
• Progressive glasses
• Greater exposure to daylight (ie more time spent outside)

Research and more information

The different effects of the above myopia control treatments can be seen using this online calculator:
https://calculator.brienholdenvision.org/

Assess your childs myopia risk: https://mykidsvision.org