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 the teenage years.
At Albany Optometrists, we provide personalised myopia control and myopia management solutions designed to help slow the progression of short-sightedness and support 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 rather than directly on it.
Children with myopia may:
- Sit closer to screens, books, or the classroom board
- Squint when looking at distant objects
- Have difficulty seeing signs or writing from a distance
- Complain of tired eyes or headaches
- Require frequent changes to their glasses prescription
Why Does Myopia Management Matter?
Myopia is more than simply 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 an increased risk of conditions including:
- Retinal complications
- Myopic macular changes
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts later in life
The earlier we identify progressing myopia, the more options we have available to help manage it.
What Is Myopia Management?
Myopia management (also known as myopia control) involves treatments and strategies designed to help slow the progression of short-sightedness in children.
Unlike standard glasses that simply correct blurry vision, myopia management aims to help influence how the eye grows and reduce the rate at which myopia increases.
Every child is different, so we develop a personalised management plan based on factors including:
- Your child’s age
- Current prescription
- Rate of myopia progression
- Family history
- Lifestyle factors
- Eye health measurements
Myopia Management Options for Children
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Ortho-K uses specially designed overnight contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps.
As well as providing clear daytime vision without glasses, Ortho-K can be an effective option for suitable children as part of a myopia management plan.
Benefits may include:
- Clear daytime vision without glasses
- Freedom for sport and outdoor activities
- A non-surgical approach to vision correction
- Customised treatment designed for your child’s eyes
Myopia Management Contact Lenses
Specially designed soft contact lenses can correct vision while also providing a myopia management effect.
These lenses differ from traditional contact lenses and are designed to help reduce signals associated with excessive eye growth.
Myopia Management Spectacle Lenses
Advanced spectacle lenses are designed to do more than simply correct blurry vision. They can also assist with managing myopia progression.
These lenses can be a convenient option for children who prefer wearing glasses.
Repeated Low-Level Red Light (RLRL) Therapy
Repeated Low-Level Red Light (RLRL) therapy is an emerging myopia management treatment that uses specific wavelengths of low-intensity red light to help slow the progression of short-sightedness in children.
The treatment involves children looking into a specialised red light device for short sessions at regular intervals. Research has shown promising results in reducing the rate of myopia progression for some children when used under professional guidance.
RLRL therapy may be considered as part of a personalised myopia management plan alongside regular monitoring and other treatment options.
Potential benefits include:
- A non-invasive treatment approach
- Short treatment sessions that can fit into a child’s routine
- An option for children who may not be suitable for contact lenses
- Integration with ongoing eye health monitoring
As every child’s eyes develop differently, our optometrist will assess your child’s individual needs, myopia progression, and lifestyle factors to determine the most appropriate management approach.
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 appropriate 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
- Experiences frequent headaches or eye strain
- Has parents with myopia
- Has rapidly changing glasses prescriptions
Children do not always recognise when their vision is changing, which is why regular eye examinations are important.
How We Monitor Myopia Progression
At Albany Optometrists, we use comprehensive assessments to understand how your child’s eyes are developing and how their myopia is progressing.
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 management 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.
Contact us today to arrange a comprehensive children’s eye examination and discuss personalised myopia management options.