Myopia management and the importance of recognising it.

It is crucial to explore why myopia has surged to epidemic levels in recent years.

The influence of early screen exposure on children's vision stands out as a key contributor. Studies indicate that children exposed to screens before the age of 3 face heightened risks of developing myopia by the time they enter preschool. Once myopia manifests in childhood, it typically progresses at regular intervals, posing ongoing challenges for young patients.

A recent eye-opening survey conducted at a University Health Awareness Fayre shed light on the alarming trend. Students were asked to honestly report their daily screen time. The results were staggering, revealing that up to 65% of students spend an average of 8 hours a day in front of digital screens. This increasing screen exposure is a hallmark of our digital age, and it's seeping into younger age groups.

The global escalation of myopia is palpable, with the UK experiencing a similar rise. Both children and adults are affected, with a notable increase in the percentage of children under 17 requiring myopic prescriptions. In 2009, this stood at 24%, but by 2017-2018, it had surged to 32.5%, indicating a growing proportion of myopic children who are becoming so at younger ages.

Failing to offer solutions to this burgeoning population of myopic children is a failure in our duty of care. As eye care professionals, myopia management must be a cornerstone of our Optometry practices. We cannot ignore this growing problem. To counter this trend, a range of myopia management interventions has been introduced, providing strategies aimed at slowing the progression of myopia.

Imperium - Myopia Management Lenses

At Caledonian Optical our new myopia management lens is the perfect solution for laboratories and ECPs to serve families with myopic children. Designed with cutting-edge technology and backed by extensive research, Imperium offers an exciting new approach to treating the "silent pandemic" of childhood myopia.

This lens is not only extremely effective in slowing down the rate of increase in myopia; it also combats ocular elongation thanks to its unique Free-form Technology, which adapts to the nasal and temporal asymmetry of the retina.

In clinical trials carried out with European children, wearers of this new lens had an astonishing 39% lower increase in axial length growth after 12 months, compared to wearers of a single-vision lens.

Manufactured with free-form technology, Imperium is compatible with any standard single-vision blank, reducing laboratory costs and lens inventory. It is also aesthetically pleasing, with no visible traces of the treatment showing on the lens surface.

In light of these concerning trends, we must take proactive steps to educate, diagnose, and manage myopia effectively to safeguard the visual health of current and future generations.

Myopia management can be financially beneficial: offering myopia management solutions can bring new revenue streams for practices, increasing patient retention and attracting new patients who are seeking these services. Additionally, myopia management can help reduce the long-term cost associated with treating sight-threatening complications of high myopia.

To find out more about these specialist lenses, contact your Partnership Manager or email info@caledonianoptical.com