Myopia Management
Understanding Myopia. Protecting Vision for the Future.
Myopia, also known as short-sightedness, is becoming increasingly common among children worldwide. It is estimated that nearly one in two people will be affected by myopia by 2050.
Myopia can be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Children with one or both parents who are myopic have a higher likelihood of developing myopia, while prolonged near work and limited time spent outdoors may also contribute to its development.
While single vision lens glasses can correct blurred vision, myopia management lens aims to slow the progression of myopia during childhood, helping to support long-term eye health.
At Sealite Kinta Optical, we provide comprehensive children's eye examinations and personalised myopia management plans based on each child's individual vision needs.
What is Myopia?
Myopia (short-sightedness) is a common vision condition in which nearby objects are seen clearly, while distant objects appear blurred.
In most children, myopia develops because the eye grows longer than normal (known as an increase in axial length). As the eye elongates, light focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it, causing distant objects to appear out of focus.
As the eye continues to grow during childhood, myopia often progresses and the spectacle prescription becomes stronger. Even a 1 mm increase in axial length is equivalent to approximately 3.00 dioptres (D) of myopia, highlighting the importance of monitoring eye growth over time.
Why Manage Myopia?
Myopia management is about more than correcting blurred vision. As myopia progresses and the eye continues to elongate, the lifetime risk of certain eye conditions may increase.
Eye conditions associated with high myopia include:
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Glaucoma
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Cataracts
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Retinal detachment
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Myopic macular degeneration
Early assessment and evidence-based myopia management aim to help slow myopia progression during childhood and support long-term eye health.
Could Your Child Be Developing Myopia?
Children often do not realise their vision is changing because they gradually adapt to blurred distance vision.
Common signs include:
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Squinting to see distant objects, the television, or the whiteboard
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Sitting very close to the television, computer, or digital devices
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Holding books or tablets close to the eyes
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Difficulty seeing the whiteboard at school
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Preferring to sit at the front of the classroom
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Complaining of blurred distance vision
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Frequent prescription changes
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Reduced interest in sports or outdoor activities requiring clear distance vision
If you notice any of these signs, a comprehensive children's eye examination can help determine whether myopia may be affecting your child's vision.
Our Approach to Myopia Management
Effective myopia management begins with a comprehensive eye examination.
Our optometrists assess your child's vision, eye health, prescription, visual habits, lifestyle, and risk factors before recommending a personalised management plan.
Unlike conventional single-vision lenses, which correct blurred vision but are not designed to slow myopia progression, modern myopia management spectacle lenses provide clear everyday vision while incorporating optical technologies intended to help manage myopia progression.
Regular follow-up examinations allow us to monitor your child's vision and eye growth, ensuring the management plan continues to meet their needs as they grow.
Myopia Management Solutions
Following a comprehensive eye examination, our optometrists recommend the most appropriate myopia management solution based on your child's prescription, age, eye health, lifestyle, and individual visual needs.
We offer evidence-based myopia management spectacle lenses from leading manufacturers, including:
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Essilor Stellest®
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ZEISS MyoCare®