Managing Myopia with Confidence
Myopia, also known as short-sightedness, is becoming increasingly common in children. As it progresses, it can increase the risk of eye health problems later in life. At Clarus Opticians, we offer advanced myopia management solutions designed to slow the progression of short-sightedness, helping your child enjoy clearer vision and better long-term eye health.
Protecting Growing Eyes
Advanced solutions to help slow the progression of short-sightedness.
01.
Myopia Care For Children
Myopia, or short-sightedness, makes distant objects look blurred. It often develops in childhood as the eye grows longer. A child may struggle to see the classroom board, squint at distant objects or need increasingly strong glasses. Myopia management aims to slow progression while keeping vision clear.
02.
Why Consider Treatment
Standard glasses correct blurred vision but do not generally slow the underlying increase in myopia. Specially designed treatments can reduce progression for many children. Results vary, and treatment cannot reverse existing myopia or guarantee that it will stop. Higher myopia is associated with greater risks of certain eye conditions later in life, although treatment cannot remove those risks.
03.
Your First Myopia Assessment
We assess your child’s vision and prescription, eye health and how the eyes work together. We review previous prescriptions where available and discuss family history, time outdoors and near work. Dilating drops may be recommended to obtain a more accurate prescription. Where included in the monitoring pathway, measuring axial length helps track the eye’s growth.
04.
Treatment Options We Can Discuss
Myopia management spectacles, including Essilor Stellest lenses, combine clear central vision with a specialised lens design intended to slow progression. Accurate fitting and consistent wear are important. Eyezen Kids is an ordinary optimised single vision design and should not be confused with Stellest myopia management lenses.
Specially designed soft contact lenses may suit children who can handle them safely with parental support. Orthokeratology uses specially fitted rigid lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the front surface of the eye. These treatments require careful hygiene and follow-up; contact lens-related infections can be serious, particularly with overnight wear.
Prescription atropine drops may also be an option for suitable children and require assessment and monitoring by an appropriate prescriber. We explain which options can be provided through our service and when a specialist fitting or prescribing referral is needed.
05.
A Plan With Regular Reviews
We agree a plan with you and your child, including the expected benefit, practical demands, risks and cost. Follow-up is often around every six months, with earlier checks when needed. We compare the prescription and relevant measurements over time, check comfort and wear habits, and reconsider treatment if progression remains significant.
06.
Healthy Habits Alongside Treatment
Encourage regular outdoor time and breaks from prolonged close work. Outdoor activity has good evidence for helping delay the onset of myopia; it should complement clinical care once myopia is present. A comfortable reading distance and regular screen breaks can help reduce eyestrain. These habits do not replace prescribed treatment.
Myopia management usually involves private fees. We explain what the programme includes and whether any NHS optical voucher contribution may apply.