gallery/logo_website

What is Myopia?

Myopia is also known as "near-sightedness" or "short-sightedness" and is a condition of the eye where the eyes have excessive focusing power, therefore causing light to inaccurately focus inside the eye, resulting in blurred vision. 

Is Myopia a serious condition?

  • Yes, it's not just about glasses or contact lenses
  • Potentially blinding with irreversible loss of vision
  • Increased risk of cataract, glaucoma, macular disease, and retinal detachment

Lack of Awareness

  • 65% of Australian parents with children aged 17 and under don't know what myopia is
  • 76% of Australian parents believe that a regular pair of glasses is the best treatment option
  • 31% of Australian children have never been to an optometrist by the age of 17

How common is Myopia in Australia?

  • Looming worldwide epidemic
  • Age of onset has moved from 11 years of age back in the 1980s, to just 8 years of age today
  • Prevalence of myopia in 12-year-olds has doubled in 6 years
  • 1/3 of children have myopia by the time they finish high school
    • 4% of these children are much more likely to suffer serious eye health problems
gallery/dc36531b6a5cd5a784f3d9db30cd2cac

evidence-based Myopia Management Summary

A fantastic resource that summarises the current knowledge in an evidence-based way is available from Johnson & Johnson. After personally studying the scientific papers, I believe that this provides an accurate reflection of what we know today about myopia progression management in children.

.

Are all optometrists able to prescribe myopia management products? 

 

There are many different options now for myopia management, however, the majority of optometrists are still prescribing single vision lenses that do not offer any protection.

 

Dr Carina Trinh (optometrist) is the only accredited practitioner in the Burwood/Strathfield area to prescribe NaturalVue and EDOF 1 Day SEED contact lenses. These offer a higher prescription range possible compared to other daily disposable lenses available for myopia management. She offers the full gamut of treatment options for myopia management including MiyoSmart (Hoya DIMS) spectacle lenses, Stellest (Essilor H.A.L.T.) spectacle lenses, orthokeratology, and MiSight (CooperVision) daily disposable FDA approved contact lenses for myopia management.

gallery/axial_length

Regardless of treatment choice


AXIAL LENGTH (AL) 

 

must be measured to quantify the efficacy of treatment. To find out more, click here.

Please visit Sydney Orthokeratology for further details on management options for myopic children.

What are the risk factors for myopia?

  • Parents with myopia
  • Increase close up work/screen time
  • Asian ethnicity (faster progression)
  • Highly educated parents
  • Glasses that are not up to date

What can be done?

  • Reduce screen time
  • Have children spend 90 min to 120 min daily outdoors
  • Take breaks every 45 min when on screens/reading
  • Good lighting
  • 3 monthly - 6 monthly axial length measurements to measure the efficacy of treatment
  • Regular 6 monthly eye examinations at a trusted optometrist who is up to date with the latest research for myopia in children

What can be done if your child is already myopic?

  • 3-6 monthly eye exams with axial length measurements
  • Proactive myopia management options including
    • Orthokeratology night contact lenses
    • MiSight daily disposable contact lenses
    • MiyoSmart spectacle lenses
    • Stellest spectacle lenses (Essilor H.A.L.T.)
    • NaturalVue daily disposable contact lenses
    • SEED EDOF 1 Day
    • Extended focus spectacles
    • Low dose atropine (0.01% - 0.05%)
    • or alternative treatment options depending on the recommendation from your optometrist and discussion with parents as to what will be the best option for the child.

More about MiyoSmart (Hoya DIMS) spectacle lenses 


You may have been recommended Miyosmart glasses from your child's ophthalmologist or optometrist but have been trouble finding the right practice that can supply these lenses. Strong evidence backs this type of lens, specially designed for children to reduce the chance of myopia progression. Highly recommended across myopia management practices to protect your child's eyes from future myopia related disease. It is essential that your child is fitted to an appropriate frame that sits in a stable position. To book a fitting appointment, click here. To find out more about the importance of a fitting appointment, click here

 

What is MiyoSmart?

MiyoSmart is a special spectacle lens that is designed to treat children who are progressing in their myopia (short-sightedness). Information from the manufacturer can be found here. It is the first ever spectacle lens created with Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (D.I.M.S.) Technology for children to treat myopia progression. It is also the first spectacle lens that has shown to be equally effective as orthokeratology and MiSight 1 Day contact lenses in slowing down myopia. 

 

If you are interested in reading the study, you can see it here

 

It it suitable for children?

This study was conducted on children aged 8-13 years old. However, this does not mean that it is unsuitable for children younger or older as we simply do not yet have the data.

Spectacles are a straight forward and low-risk option for children. MiyoSmart lenses are made in a 1.59 polycarbonate material which is similar to the tough material used in safety glasses.

 

Is my child suitable?

As long as your child’s spectacle prescription is within the range of powers that can be produced by Hoya (premium Japanese optical lens manufacturer), then it is an option. 

Astigmatism can be corrected with MiyoSmart spectacle lenses.

 

An assessment is required with your optometrist who is accredited to prescribe MiyoSmart to determine whether your child is a suitable candidate. This appointment will be bulk-billed on Medicare, with no out of pocket cost.

Contact Dr Carina Trinh by emailing hello@carinaeyecare.com.au, sending a text to or calling 0423 590 959.

You can also contact her over Facebook or Instagram #carinaeyecare.  

Please make sure that you book an appointment if you plan to visit Carina Eye Care at 40 Neich Parade, Burwood NSW 2134.