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Myopia (short-sightedness) causes far distance objects to appear blurry, while near objects remain clear. Some children are born with myopia, but for most kids it emerges around the age of 8-12yrs. It is usually caused by the eye growing too long.
Myopia can progress very quickly in some children, and the spooky thing is, that its not expected to stop changing until the age of 26yrs. Therefore, even a slow rate of change, over many years, can result in high degrees of myopia.
The exact cause of the emergence of myopia, and its progression, are not well proven but it is a combination of genetic, growth and environmental factors; e.g. prolonged intense near work is a known contributor to the changes.
Unfortunately, the more the degree of Myopia blur increases, the greater the risk for sight threatening conditions such as; Myopic Macular Degeneration, Cataract, Glaucoma, Retinal holes and Retinal Detachments.
This is the reason for Myopia Control for our young people, So we stop them getting these conditions in later life.
If you are Myopic or Short-sighted, your typical symptom is difficulty reading road signs and seeing distant objects or peoples faces clearly, but you will be able to see well for tasks such as reading and computer use.
Other signs and symptoms of myopia include squinting, eye strain and headaches. Feeling fatigued when driving or playing sports also can be a symptom of uncorrected nearsightedness.
If you experience these signs or symptoms while wearing your glasses or contact lenses, give us a call to arrange a comprehensive eye examination with your Local Shattky Optometrist to work out what your problem really is.
Myopia is a disease that needs to be managed. In years gone by Optometrists simply corrected the focus with glasses with no mind to stop the Myopia from getting worse. 'Myopia Control' is critical for our young peoples eyes Now, and their Future eye health.
That's something we specailise here at Shattky Optometrists.
Although the Myopic blur can be focused with; correcting glasses, contact lenses or a refractive surgery, when it comes to Controlling Myopia for our 5 year old kids thru to our young 25 year old adults it requires different techniques from the main stream Optometry offer, of just glasses to most patients.
For more information from Our Australian superstar Dr Kate Gifford who is a champion of Myopia and slowing it down check out her Website to see how here at Shattkys in Hawkes Bay we are right up with the play to help you and your kids.
These are excellent alternatives for our young developing Myopic patients to liberate them from Spectacles. Remembering that Surgery is simply not an option for under 21s.
Just ask for an appointment!
These are Spectacle wearing Options which include
Find out more on how You can take control of your kids Myopia Progression with MiyoSmart Lenses from Shattkys by contacting our Team by phone at Shattky Optometrists.
Some times a prescription needs high-index lenses (for thinner, lighter glasses), or anti-reflective coating to minimize reflections, glare, and dust on your glasses, perhaps changing tint (photo-chromatic) lenses are suitable which protect your eyes from UV and high-energy blue light and to reduce your need for a separate pair of prescription sunglasses outdoors. The many choices and strategies we can offer our spectacle wearers for Myopia is what makes the experience at Shattkys different.
We can assess your eyes suitability for these treatments with a comprehensive eye examination,
Still keen to learn more about Child Myopia check this website out too.
Just ask for an appointment!
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Myopia control describes techniques to slow the progression (worsening) of myopia over time.There are a number of options we recommend to slow the progression; Visual Hygiene, bifocal spectacles, OrthoKeratology and Atropine Therapy.
Myopic Macular Degeneration is damage to the back surface of the eye following uncontrolled eye growth and is the fourth most common cause of vision loss. (The other three common causes are Age Related Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma and Diabetic Retinopathy)
High levels of short sightedness increase the risk of Cataract, Glaucoma and Retinal Detachment.
The Blue Mountains Eye Study (Australia) concluded that while low myopia (less than 5.00D) presents with a very low risk of Myopic Maculopathy, this risk climbs significantly to1 in 4 for those with moderate myopia, and to even greater risk (1 in 2) for high levels (over 9.00D) of myopia.
The risk of retinal detachment is 2.2x higher in individuals with mild myopia compared to individuals without myopia. This risk rises to 9.7x greater than normal with higher levels of myopia.
Glaucoma data from the Blue Mountains study shows increasing odds for increasing myopia and a similar association was found with cataract development.
Medical practices that are designed to avert and avoid disease are called Preventative Medicine. For example, screening for hypertension and treating it before it causes disease is good preventive medicine. Preventive medicine is a proactive approach to patient care.
We feel that Myopia Control fits well with the concept of preventative medicine; it reduces the progression of myopia thereby reducing the eye health risks associated with higher levels of myopia.
Atropine is a very well known drug that has been used for thousands of years. It is sometimes referred to as Belladonna. When used as an eye drop in low concentrations ( 0.4% to 1%) it dilates the pupil and inhibits accommodation. As such it has been used as therapy for Glaucoma, Uveitis, Iritis and Amblyopia.
Known side effects at these concentrations, are photophobia and blurred vision. In rare instances can cause increased heart rate, flushing of the skin, dry mouth and confusion.
The use of Atropine in slowing down the progression of myopia was reported in the 19th century.The effectiveness of Atropine for myopia control has been documented in research literature.Low dose Atropine eye drops (0.01%) are a new treatment used for myopia control.
Recent research has proven that Atropine at a lower concentration (0.01% instead of 1.0%) is effective in reducing the rate of myopia progression. This lower concentration has a much lower likelihood of side effects, and is well tolerated by patients.Since the reduced concentration of Atropine is not commercially available it will not be available from a standard pharmacy, it needs to be formulated by 1 of 2 New Zealand pharmacies Auckland or Christchurch.
First Year:
Initial consultation and assessment to commence treatment.All visits required for an optimal therapeutic effect.All professional services involved in monitoring the visual response ensuring optimal eye health response to the Atropine drops for ONE YEAR (12 months) following the initial eye exam.The treatment protocol includes visits at one month, three months, and six months following the initiation of therapy. However, other visits related to atropine therapy may be needed and are also included in the program fee.All diagnostic testing involved in measuring for objective and subjective responses to therapy or detection of symptoms associated with potential side effects from the medication.Discount on any prescription and non-prescription eyewear including sunglasses
10% on prescription eyewear
20% on non-prescription sunglasses (not including our package deals)
Atropine Therapy Program for the first year Fee: $550
Atropine Therapy first year when in conjunction with Orthokeratology Fee: $175
Thereafter;
Paid at the Annual Consultation and dispensing of first prescription of that year.This covers the Comprehensive routine annual consultation and the 6 month visit as well as any other scheduled or unscheduled visits pertaining to Atropine Therapy during the maintenance year and ongoing repeat prescriptions for Atropine 0.01% eye drops.It also includes the atropine discount on any prescription and non-prescription eyewear including sunglasses
10% on prescription eyewear
20% on non-prescription sunglasses (not including our package deals)
Atropine Therapy Maintenance Program Fees: $250 per year after the first year
Year One and Future Years Maintenance Program Fees do not include:
.The cost of the medication which is determined by the supplying compounding pharmacy.
The material cost of a Glasses / Contact lenses / or Contact lens evaluation if performed.
Kiwi's know that good things take time, so come to us, have the tests done without feeling that you have been "rushed thru", and you'll know what we mean when we say "we take the time!"
Book appointmentKiwi's know that good things take time, so come to us, have the tests done without feeling that you have been "rushed thru", and you'll know what we mean when we say "we take the time!"
Book appointment
