the problem with Myopia

Myopia, or short-sightedness, is increasing every year. 

It is estimated that half of the global population will be short-sighted by 2050.  

Myopia usually gets worse from the age of 6 until early adult years. It is caused by the eye elongating as it develops causing the image to fall in front of the retina, resulting in blur.    

The risk of developing myopia is significantly higher if one or both parents are also short-sighted. See the effect that various levels of short-sight have on your child’s vision using the Myopia Simulator link to the right (opens to an external website)

Being short-sighted is more than an inconvenience, it can be life changing, as the the risk of other eye diseases decreases the lower the myopic prescription.  

The less short-sighted your child becomes the less at risk they are in later life of developing macular degeneration, retinal detachment, cataract and glaucoma.   

If we can slow down the worsening short-sight in childhood, we can improve the vision now and reduce the likelihood of problems in the future.     

At Knutton & Co. we are passionate about changing the trajectory of childhood myopia. 

We are one of the first practices in the country to prescribe an exciting new lens that slows down this lengthening of the eye and the progression of the short-sightedness, called Stellest.    

If you would like to discuss whether this lens would benefit your child please contact the practice and book an Enhanced NHS eye examination with our optometrist.   

We will discuss with you in detail how the lens and our Myopia Care Plan works, and whether your child would be suitable. Studies have shown that the sooner we start intervening to slow down the myopia the better the final outcome.   

Please click on the left hand box below for more information about this lens including pricing.