Myopia control

At Eric Mercer's, we are delighted to offer the latest innovations in myopia control by fitting MiSight 1 day contact lenses. MiSight are the first daily disposable lenses proven to slow the progression of myopia (short-sightedness) in children.

Three years of detailed scientific trials have shown that wearing MiSight lenses reduces myopic progression in children by 59% on average. That's good news for reducing dependence on vision correction as well as decreasing the risk of serious eye conditions related to high myopia.
The Myopia Boom
Recent research shows that myopia is rising sharply around the world. It is estimated that around 30% of the world's population is now myopic. In east Asia, the problem has reached epidemic proportions with 90% of teenagers being myopic. And in the UK, myopia has doubled over the last 50 years.
What causes Myopia
Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long for the eye's focusing system. That means images are focused in front of the retina instead of directly on it, causing blurred vision in the distance. 
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Genetic and environmental influences can both affect your child's risk of developing myopia. If one parent is myopic, your child has a 31% risk of developing myopia. When both parents are myopic, this increases to 46%. Low levels of outdoor activity and prolonged near tasks are also thought to contribute to myopia progression. 
Why Myopia Control is important
As myopia increases, children's dependency on glasses increases. This can reduce their ability to participate in sports and other activities. Increasing myopia can also lead to  eye health problems in later life. These include retinal detachments, cataracts, glaucoma and maculopathy. 
MiSight & Myopia Control
MiSight's clever dual-focus design allows children to see clearly while at the same time slowing down eyeball growth and reducing myopia progression. ​These innovative lenses are a daily disposable design suitable for myopic children as young as eight years old.

Child-friendly Lenses
Some parents worry that their children won't be able to manage contact lenses. However, we find that most children adapt to handling and wearing lenses much quicker than adults! In a recent study, over 90% of children said they preferred wearing MiSight lenses to wearing their glasses. They found MiSight comfortable to wear and enjoyed clear vision for all everyday activities. 
​Daily Disposables 
As daily disposables, MiSight lenses  offer significant benefits in terms of  eye health and convenience. Because they are simply worn once and then thrown away, there are no complicated cleaning and disinfecting routines involved and minimal risk of eye infections or other problems.
To find out more
If you think your child might be short-sighted, simply phone for an information leaflet or call in to see us. We'd be happy to discuss your child's eyesight and  tell you more about options for myopia control.