What is myopia caused from? - A Global Pandemic
- By Monica Coelho
- •
- 10 Jan, 2023
- •
What can we do to help your child
Evidence shows that Myopia is growing around the world, with a recent study estimating that on average, 30% of the world is currently myopic and by 2050, almost 50% will be myopic - that’s 5 billion people! The map below shows how much is estimated that the Myopic population will grow from now to 2050.
Myopia can be defined
as a condition of the eye with a spherical equivalent refraction of at
least -0.50D that produces
poor distance vision. However, the definition of high myopia is rather vague, although of
more concern because of the associated pathological complications. High myopia is usually defined as ranging from -5.00 to -12.00D and there is agreement among experts that high myopia increases the risk of pathologies such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment and macular degeneration all of which can result in irreversible loss of vision.
Myopia Risk Factors
There are 2 main causes when it comes to Myopia development - those are Genetics and Enviroment.
Even though there seems to be a high ration of inherited Myopia,environment also seems to play a very important role. Increased outdoor activity has been shown to prevent the onset of myopia,with a visible response between the time spent outdoors and the risk of incident myopia. Interestingly, by simply being outside without engaging in a sport or activity has shown to reduce the prevalence of myopia.
There is mounting public concern that modern society’s dependence on computers and handheld technologies may be contributing to the increasing global incidence of myopia as children are spending long periods of time on devices for school work and also during their free time. It is advisable that children should spend at least 2 hours outside every day to profit from the natural sunlight.
How can I help my child?
There are a few things that can be done about Myopia Management, but the 2 that seems to work best are:
- Corrective Spectacles - That can have Single Vision, Bifocal or Varifocal lenses, according to the child's problem;
- MiSight® 1 day Contact Lenses - MiSight 1 day not only correct short-sightedness—they’re also the first soft contact lenses proven to significantly reduce the progression of myopia in children. When wearing MiSight 1 day contact lenses, your child can experience clear vision, freedom from glasses and continue to enjoy the activities they love. MiSight correct and slows the progression of short-sightedness in children by 59%, utilising special ActivControl® Technology.
If you are worried about your child wearing contact lenses from such a young age, there is no need for that! They are safe and we will only fit them once we are 100% sure that your child and yourself are capable of handling them with confidence. From children aged 8-15, who had never worn contact lenses before:
- 90% of children said they preferred wearing their MiSight 1 day contact lenses over wearing their glasses.
- 90% of children were able to insert and remove MiSight 1 day lenses on their own.
- Child-friendly, soft contact lenses that are easy-to-use.
- Convenient daily disposable contact lenses—no need to clean or store them.
So if you suspect that your child has visual problems or if you have history of Myopia in the family, why not book him/her for an eye examination? Eye Examinations are free for children under 16 years old and at Care Optics we pride ourselves on our Optometrist team and their excellence to deal with all sorts of visual concerns and conditions. To book an appoiment you can either call or email us at the practice that suits you best. Contacts for both practices are below:
Woodford
Woodford@careoptics.co.uk
020 3551 6075
Dagenham
Dagenham@careoptics.co.uk
020 8592 6060
Keep in mind: At Care Optics - Eye Care, We Care
We were honoured to once again be part of the Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce Awards this year—a vibrant celebration of local enterprise, innovation, and community spirit. For the third time, we joined fellow businesses from across the borough to recognise the outstanding contributions being made to our local economy and community.
This year's event was particularly special for the Care Optics family. We were thrilled to be shortlisted for the Green Business Award, a recognition that speaks to our deep commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility in all that we do.
The highlight of the evening was seeing our very own Director receive the prestigious Businessman of the Year award. This is an incredible honour and a powerful testament to his leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to both our company and the community we serve.
A Legacy of Excellence
This year’s successes build on a proud history of recognition from the Chamber of Commerce. Our team’s dedication to excellence has been consistently acknowledged, and we are humbled by the commendations we've received over the years, including:
- Business of the Year (Winner, 2023)
- Employer of the Year (Winner, 2023)
- Training, Developing and Supporting Education (Winner, 2023)
- The Judges’ Award (2024)
- Customer Service
- Charity and Community Impact
- Innovation through the Use of Digital Media
Each award and nomination is a reflection of our team's collective hard work and our mission to deliver exceptional care and service. We believe a strong business is built on a foundation of community support, innovation, and a commitment to nurturing talent.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and nominees of the evening. We are inspired to be in the company of such incredible local businesses and look forward to many more years of growth, impact, and celebration within Barking and Dagenham.
As parents, we want to give our children every possible advantage—from a great education to a healthy diet and a safe environment. But one thing that often gets overlooked is their eye health. And when it comes to children’s vision, Myopia—commonly known as short-sightedness—is becoming more common than ever. At Care Optics, we specialise in Myopia Control, helping children maintain clearer vision and a brighter future.
Let’s explore what Myopia is, how to spot it in your child, and the amazing ways we can help manage and slow its progression.
Here at Care Optics, with our friendly teams in both Woodford and Dagenham, we're always on the lookout for the latest and greatest innovations to bring to your eyewear experience. And let me tell you, we're absolutely buzzing to announce our newest arrival: the revolutionary Ray-Ban | Meta smart glasses!
Imagine seamlessly blending iconic style with cutting-edge technology. Well, stop imagining, because these incredible glasses are here, and we're thrilled to be able to offer them to you. Get ready to step into the future of eyewear!
