Protecting Your Child’s Vision for the Future

Helping Children See Clearly Today While Supporting Healthier Eyes for Tomorrow

More children are becoming short-sighted (myopic), and in many cases, myopia continues to progress throughout childhood and teenage years.

At Albany Optometrists, we provide personalised myopia control and myopia management solutions designed to slow the progression of short-sightedness and help protect your child’s long-term eye health.

Through regular monitoring, advanced technology, and evidence-based treatment options, we work with families to give children the best opportunity for healthy vision development.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia (short-sightedness) is a common vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while close objects can often be seen clearly.

It occurs when the eye grows longer than normal, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

Children with myopia may:

Squint when looking at distant objects
Sit closer to screens or the classroom board
Have difficulty seeing signs or writing from a distance
Complain of tired eyes or headaches
Frequently need changes to their glasses prescription

Why Does Myopia Control Matter?

Myopia is more than just needing stronger glasses. As myopia increases, the eye becomes longer, which can increase the risk of future eye health complications.

Higher levels of myopia are associated with increased risks of conditions such as:

Retinal complications
Myopic macular changes
Glaucoma
Cataracts later in life

The earlier we identify progressing myopia, the more options we have to help manage it.

What Is Myopia Control?

Myopia control (also called myopia management) involves treatments and strategies designed to help slow the progression of short-sightedness in children.

Rather than simply correcting blurry vision with standard glasses, myopia control aims to influence how the eye grows and reduce the rate at which myopia increases.

Every child is different, so we create a personalised management plan based on:

Your child’s age
Current prescription
Rate of myopia progression
Family history
Lifestyle factors
Eye health measurements

Myopia Control Options for Children

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Ortho-K uses specially designed overnight contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps.

In addition to providing clear vision during the day without glasses, Ortho-K is an option used in myopia management to help slow myopia progression in suitable children.

Benefits may include:

Clear daytime vision without glasses
Freedom for sport and outdoor activities
A non-surgical approach to myopia management
Customised treatment designed for your child’s eyes

Myopia Control Contact Lenses

Specially designed soft contact lenses can help correct vision while also providing a myopia control effect.

These lenses are designed differently from traditional contact lenses and may help reduce the signals that encourage excessive eye growth.

Myopia Control Spectacle Lenses

Advanced spectacle lenses are available that are designed not only to correct blurry vision but also assist with myopia management.

These can be a convenient option for children who prefer glasses.

Lifestyle and Eye Health Strategies

Healthy visual habits are an important part of managing childhood myopia.

We may recommend:

Spending more time outdoors each day
Taking regular breaks during near tasks and screen use
Maintaining good reading distances
Regular eye examinations to monitor changes

Signs Your Child May Need a Myopia Assessment

Book an eye examination if your child:

Has difficulty seeing the board at school
Moves closer to screens or books
Complains about blurry distance vision
Has frequent headaches or eye strain
Has parents with myopia
Has rapidly changing glasses prescriptions

Children do not always recognise that their vision is changing, which is why regular eye examinations are important.

How We Monitor Myopia Progression

At [Practice Name], we use comprehensive assessments to understand how your child’s eyes are developing.

Our myopia management consultations may include:

Detailed vision testing
Eye health examination
Corneal measurements
Axial length measurements (where available)
Assessment of myopia risk factors
Discussion of suitable treatment options

We monitor changes over time and adjust your child’s treatment plan as needed.

Supporting Parents Through Every Step

We understand that choosing myopia control for your child can feel overwhelming. Our role is to provide clear information, answer your questions, and help you make informed decisions about your child’s vision.

Our goal is simple: to help your child enjoy clear vision today while supporting healthier eyes for the future.

Book Your Child’s Myopia Assessment

If you are concerned about your child becoming more short-sighted, early assessment is an important first step.