UK Anti-Bullying-Week is a campaign which supports a cause dear to many whom had to wear glasses as a child. Wearing glasses at school is a common cause of bullying but a new contact lens which is only worn while sleeping could mean the end of "specky four eyes" for today's children. With dramatic rises in myopia due to the increased time spent in the cyber world , overnight contact lenses, which may slow or even halt myopia could make glasses a thing of the past.
It is estimated that 43% of children will experience some form of bullying during childhood. Catherine Calvert of Kidscape, the Anti-bullying charity explains, "It's often children who are perceived as ‘different' in some way that become targets for bullies, and sadly, wearing glasses is still seen by some as being different. Taunts like "specky four eyes" are common and children who wear glasses can be unfairly perceived as physically weak and therefore fair game for overt bullying. There are lots of strategies parents can teach their child that will help them learn how to help themselves. For instance a child might shout ‘no' or make sure they have a friend with them at times when the bully is likely to be around. Learning how to stand tall, walk with confidence, and meet people's eyes may help them not be targeted."
One way to give children who need glasses back their confidence could be a revolutionary new solution -using overnight vision correction (OVC) contact lenses. These work by reshaping the eye while a child sleeps so that conventional contact lenses or glasses are not needed during the day.
Michael Davis 14, who has been wearing overnight vision correction contact lenses for nearly two years, says. "I think my lenses are amazing because I don't have to wear glasses anymore and I can even last a couple of days without wearing them and still see. I can also play rugby much easier, as well as baseball and tennis"
As well as giving children more confidence to play sports, overnight contact lenses can also help prevent the early development of myopia. Myopia rates have almost doubled in the last 30 years according to research published by National Eye Institute.
Jennifer Golden, CEO of iGO Optical explains, "Whilst myopia can be genetically inherited, new research has revealed that recent lifestyle changes in children's behaviour - the increased use of mobile phones, texting, using computers and playing less time outside in natural sunlight; is being blamed for the dramatic increases in myopia . It has been known for many years that too much close work can lead to the early development of myopia. It is why children who wear glasses are considered the "brainy ones" - they spend more time with their heads in books and less time kicking around a football. But it is a double edged sword as studying too much can increase the need for glasses at an early age and wearing glasses makes it difficult to join in playground activities and sports."
Overnight vision correction contact lenses offer many advantages for both parents and children. Parents can be confident that their child can see clearly at all times and vision correction and hygiene is carried out at home so parents can supervise. In addition, recent research has indicated that overnight contact lenses may slow or even halt the progression of myopia in children 1.
Best of all for children is the fact that they do not have to wear glasses anymore and can participate more confidently in everyday school life.
-ENDS-
MEDIA CONTACT:
For further information, images, case studies or experts please contact:
Louise Wilkinson
White Rose PR
Tel: 07815 307592
Email: louise@whiterosepr.co.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS:
ABOUT iGO OVERNIGHT VISION CORRECTION CONTACT LENSES:
• iGO OVC is the UK trademark for the US patented overnight contact lens made by Euclid Systems Corp and has been approved by the Food and Drugs Administration.
• Suitable for all ages, around 75% of all short-sighted people are suitable - prescriptions up to -5.00D with astigmatism less than 1.50D.
• Initial design and fitting is from £200 plus £40 per month
• A CE marked medical device available on prescription through accredited iGO opticians
• Children can claim a NHS allowance against the treatment.
• Interested consumers can contact i-GO on 0844 7362579 or visit www.igolenses.co.uk
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