Myopia control and outdoor activity need to curb 'epidemic' in children
Lifestyle factors such as homework, video games and computers are leading to a myopia epidemic in children, with more than ever having to wear glasses, reports the Courier Mail.

In Hong Kong and Singapore, 85 per cent of young people wear glasses, and experts are warning that too much close-up viewing is increasing the prevalence of myopia in countries such as Australia, more renowned for its love of outdoor activities.

Optometrist Kate Johnson, who runs Gerry & Johnson Optometrists in Brisbane, Australia, told the news provider going outdoors more could be a form of myopia control for children.

She told the news provider: "It's happening more in children with no family history of myopia."

"They spend so much more time in close work with computers and reading doing the damage," she added.

Ortho k contact lenses can help delay the progress of myopia in children.

Developing eyes can become strained by looking at close-up images too much, instead of looking at far away objects outside and this is thought to be a major cause of myopia in children.

Over night contact lenses are worn while asleep when they gently correct the eye so that the wearer can experience natural vision during the day, when the ortho k contact lenses are removed.

For children with myopia, the over night contact lenses can act like a dental brace, inhibiting the elongation of the eye which causes the condition.

They can be used at any age, unlike eye laser surgery for which the minimum age is 21, and are a hassle-free replacement for children's glasses for those worried about bullying.

Children's vision: Is your child suitable for i-GO over night Contact Lenses?

By Nick HowardADNFCR-2387-ID-19567683-ADNFCR

Contact iGO
Follow us on...
2014 (c) iGO Optical Ltd. Registered in England and Wales Company No. 5729682 Registered office: The Granary, Manor Park, Warkworth, Banbury OX17 2AG UK
Made by: Web design and web development