Children’s eye care in Wishaw
Myopia management for children.
Short-sightedness is becoming more common in children, and it usually gets worse as they grow. We can help slow it down.
What is myopia?
Clear up close, blurry far away.
Myopia, or short-sightedness, happens when the eye grows too long. Close-up things look clear but distant things are blurred. It usually starts in childhood and progresses through the school years.
More time on screens and less time outdoors are big factors, and children with short-sighted parents are more likely to develop it. Slowing progression early matters, because higher myopia carries a greater risk of eye health problems later in life.
Signs to look out for
Does your child…
- Squinting or sitting close to the TV
- Holding books or tablets very close
- Headaches or tired eyes
- Rubbing their eyes a lot
- Struggling to see the board at school
Treatment options
Ways we can slow myopia down.
Ordinary glasses and contact lenses correct the blur but don’t slow the progression. These do.
Myopia control contact lenses
Daily dual-focus contact lenses designed for children. They correct vision and are proven to slow how quickly myopia progresses. Worn during the day, ideal for active kids.
Myopia control spectacle lenses
Specially designed glasses lenses that correct vision while slowing progression. A good choice for younger children.
Orthokeratology
Gentle contact lenses worn overnight that reshape the front of the eye, so your child sees clearly through the day without glasses.
At home
Simple habits that help.
Get outside
Aim for around two hours of outdoor time a day. Daylight is one of the best protections against myopia.
Take screen breaks
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Keep a distance
Books and tablets should be held at least a forearm’s length away.
Test every year
Children’s eye tests are free on the NHS, and yearly checks catch changes early.
Talk to us about your child’s eyes.
Book a children’s eye test and we’ll talk you through the best option.