Eric Mercer Optometrist
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  • home
    • COVID protocols
  • About us
    • testimonials
  • Eye tests
    • 3-D OCT eye scan
    • Emergency Eye Clinic
    • children's eyecare
    • dry eye clinic
  • Designer Eyewear
    • varifocals
    • silhouette rimless
    • sunglasses
    • FREE specs MOT
  • Contact lenses
    • Myopia control
    • contact lens tips
  • Home visits
  • VDU eyecare
  • Blog
  • Contact us

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 eye conditions related to high myopia.

What is Myopia

Children with myopia can see clearly close-up but have blurred vision at longer distances - for instance, when looking at the board in school. Myopia usually starts in the early teens but can occur in children as young as 6 - 8 years of age. It often progresses during teenage years before settling in the late teens. 

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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 classed as 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. When one parent is myopic, a child has a 30% risk of developing myopia. If both parents are myopic, this increases to almost 50%. Low levels of outdoor activity and prolonged near tasks are also thought to contribute to myopia . 
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. Also, higher levels of myopia can lead to  eye problems in later life, including retinal detachments, cataracts, glaucoma and maculopathy. 
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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 most children adapt to handling and wearing lenses 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. 
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​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 the risk of eye infections is low.
To find out more
If you think your child might be short-sighted, simply call in or phone for an information leaflet. We'd be happy to discuss your child's eyesight in detail and  tell you more about myopia control.
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​tel: 028 9058 3030