Myopia Management for Children in Chesham
At Brian D Suttie (Chesham) Ltd, we help families understand, monitor and manage childhood myopia, also known as short-sightedness. Our aim is to give children clear vision today while helping to slow the progression of myopia and support long-term eye health.
What is myopia?
Myopia is when the eye focuses light in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This makes distant objects, such as the board at school, road signs or a television across the room, appear blurred while near vision is usually clearer.
Myopia often starts in childhood and can progress as the eye grows. The earlier it starts, the more time there is for it to increase, which is why early detection and ongoing monitoring are so important.
Why myopia management matters
Standard glasses or contact lenses can correct blurred distance vision, but they do not usually slow the underlying progression of myopia. Myopia management uses evidence-based optical treatments and regular monitoring to help reduce the rate at which a child’s prescription and eye length increase.
Slowing myopia progression may help reduce the chance of a child developing higher levels of short-sightedness. This is important because higher myopia is associated with a greater lifetime risk of eye health problems, including myopic macular degeneration, retinal detachment, glaucoma and earlier cataracts.
Our myopia management approach
Every child is different, so we begin with a thorough assessment of their prescription, eye health, visual function, lifestyle, family history and suitability for different treatment options. We then recommend a personalised plan and review it regularly as your child grows.
As an independent practice, we can recommend from a range of spectacle lens and contact lens options, choosing the solution that best suits your child’s eyes, age, confidence, activities and prescription.
Stellest spectacle lenses
Essilor Stellest lenses are specialist spectacle lenses designed to correct myopia and help slow its progression. They use H.A.L.T. technology, a pattern of highly aspherical lenslets that creates a signal intended to help slow excessive eye growth while providing clear central vision.
Stellest lenses can be a practical option for many children because they are worn like ordinary glasses. Good frame fit is essential: the lenses need to sit correctly and remain stable so your child looks through the intended area of the lens.
MiSight 1 day contact lenses
MiSight 1 day contact lenses are soft daily disposable contact lenses designed for children with myopia. They correct distance vision while using a specialist optical design to help slow myopia progression and axial elongation.
Daily disposable lenses can be convenient for active children because there is no cleaning solution or overnight lens storage. We teach children and parents how to handle lenses safely and review comfort, vision and eye health at follow-up appointments.
Other contact lens options
MiSight is not suitable for every child. Some children have prescriptions, astigmatism, visual needs or lifestyle factors that mean another myopia management contact lens may be more appropriate. We offer and advise on other contact lens options so that each child receives a treatment plan matched to their individual needs.
Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology, often called Ortho-K, is another option used in myopia control. It involves specially designed rigid contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the front surface of the eye, giving clearer unaided vision during the day while also helping to slow myopia progression in suitable children.
We do not currently offer orthokeratology at Brian D Suttie (Chesham) Ltd. However, if this is a treatment you would like to explore, we are happy to recommend trusted colleagues who provide Ortho-K so that you can receive appropriate advice and care.
Axial length monitoring
A key part of thorough myopia management is measuring axial length: the length of the eye from front to back. In many children, myopia progresses because the eye grows too quickly. Measuring axial length helps us monitor this growth directly rather than relying only on prescription changes.
We use axial length measurements alongside prescription, eye health checks and visual assessments to judge how well treatment is working. This allows us to make informed decisions, adjust the management plan when needed and explain progress clearly to parents and children.
What happens at a myopia management appointment?
- A detailed discussion about your child’s vision, symptoms, family history and lifestyle.
- A full eye examination and accurate prescription assessment.
- Checks of eye coordination, focusing and eye health where appropriate.
- Axial length measurement to assess eye growth.
- A personalised recommendation for spectacle lenses, contact lenses or another suitable approach.
- Follow-up appointments to monitor progress, eye health, lens fit and treatment success.
Helping to delay the onset of myopia
If your child is not yet myopic but there is a family history of short-sightedness, there are useful habits that may help support healthy visual development. These include spending more time outdoors, taking regular breaks from close work, holding books and screens at a sensible distance, using good lighting and maintaining healthy sleep routines.
We recommend regular eye examinations for children, especially if parents are myopic or if a child is struggling to see clearly in the distance. Early detection gives us the best opportunity to advise, monitor and act at the right time.
Frequently asked questions
Can myopia be cured?
There is currently no outright cure for myopia. However, myopia management can help slow progression in many children and reduce the likelihood of higher levels of myopia developing.
Which option is best for my child?
The best option depends on your child’s prescription, age, eye health, visual needs, maturity, lifestyle and how well they are likely to wear and care for the lenses. We will talk through the advantages and limitations of each option before recommending a plan.
Are contact lenses safe for children?
Many children can wear contact lenses successfully when they are suitable, carefully fitted and properly supervised. We provide full teaching on hygiene, insertion, removal and safe wear, and we monitor the eyes regularly.
How often will my child need reviews?
Review frequency depends on your child’s age, prescription, treatment type and rate of change. Regular follow-up is essential so that we can check vision, eye health, lens fit and axial length progression.
Book a myopia management consultation
If your child is short-sighted, has recently had a prescription increase, or you are concerned because myopia runs in the family, we would be happy to help. Contact Brian D Suttie (Chesham) Ltd on 01494 784141 or by email at reception@briansuttie.co.uk to arrange a children’s eye examination or myopia management consultation.
