It is important for children's vision to be examined by an optometrist or optician at least every two years from pre-school. It is thought that 80% of a child’s learning occurs visually. Even if you haven’t noticed any issues with their vision or don’t think your child needs an eye examination, research has shown that one in five school children have an undetected eye problem.
We perform essential eye health tests designed to spot the widest variety of conditions. The process is tailored to the age of your child, providing them with a fun, interactive experience and providing you with peace of mind.
Eye examinations are provided by the NHS free of charge for all children under 16 and those under 19 in full time education
Children's Eyewear
At M J Ryan Eyecare, we stock a wide range of spectacles specially designed for children to choose from. Many have soft nose pads for extra comfort and sprung hinges to withstand extra wear and tear.
Regular eye examinations could be crucial for your child’s health care and personal development, so don’t delay and contact M J Ryan Eyecare for an appointment as soon as possible.
Myopia management
Myopia is the medical term for short-sightedness, when the eyeball is too long or too powerful, causing objects in the distance to look blurred. Generally once you have myopia (short-sight) your prescription increases over time, in particular during childhood as the eye grows.
If one or both parents are short-sighted (myopic), the chance of your child becoming short-sighted increases, and their chance of having a high prescription increases further if their own prescriptions are high. Children are most likely to become myopic between the ages of six and 13 years.
Why does myopia matter in children's vision?
If a child is myopic, they are at risk of their vision deteriorating quickly. This means reliance on stronger glasses, and poorer vision without their glasses which has an impact on day to day activities such as sports and other hobbies.
Higher levels of myopia are also linked to an increased risk of developing eye diseases such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, macular degeneration and cataract in later life.
The rate of myopia (short-sightedness) in the world is increasing dramatically and in the UK the levels of myopia have doubled since the 1960’s. Now one in four teenagers in the UK are affected by myopia. Much research is being done to try to identify why this is the case and to improve the outlook.
Myopia Management is a relatively new concept, so we are keen to ensure people know it is an option for many children who are currently relying on glasses to correct their short-sightedness. It cannot completely halt the progression, however, myopia management contact lenses or spectacles are designed to correct your child’s vision. This is done by slowing the process of elongation and enlargement of the eyeball so their prescription will be significantly less than it would have been if their myopia was left untreated. This in turn reduces their risk of serious eye disease in later life.
If you wish to make a myopia management appointment you can call our reception team on 01772 250154, alternatively take a lot at more info here: Myopia Management