Myopia Management

What Is Myopia?

Myopia, or short-sightedness, is when a person can see clearly up close but struggles to see objects in the distance. In children, myopia often gets worse over time as the eye continues to grow. This isn’t just a matter of stronger glasses – higher levels of myopia are linked to a greater risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including:

  • Retinal detachment

  • Myopic maculopathy

  • Glaucoma

  • Early cataract

That’s why managing myopia early – and slowing its progression – is one of the most important things we can do for your child’s long-term eye health.

Why Myopia Management Matters

The faster and earlier a child’s myopia progresses, the greater the risk of long-term damage to their vision. Studies show that by slowing myopia progression in childhood, we can significantly reduce the risk of serious eye disease in adulthood.

At Gilbert Opticians, we offer specialist myopia management treatments designed to slow the rate of myopia progression – protecting not just your child’s current sight, but their future eye health.

👁 Myopia Management at Gilbert Opticians

👓 Spectacle-Based Myopia Control

We currently offer two advanced spectacle lens options:

🟢 HOYA MiYOSMART – Award-Winning Lenslet Technology

  • Patented DIMS (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments) design

  • Central clear vision zone, surrounded by lenslets that create controlled peripheral blur

  • Clinically shown to reduce myopia progression by around 59% (Studies on MiYOSMART were conducted in Asia, but the lens has now been widely used in Europe and the UK)

  • Backed by robust research including long-term (6-year) data

  • Well tolerated, with minor cosmetic lenslet visibility under certain light

🟡 Imperium – Discreet Asymmetric Peripheral Defocus

  • Free-form lens with asymmetric peripheral plus power based on retinal growth patterns

  • Looks like a regular lens – no visible lenslets

  • Clinical studies show around 39% reduction in axial elongation at 12 months. (Studies on imperium were conducted in Europe, but with the lens design being newer, the study is shorter)

  • Excellent choice for appearance-conscious patients or those sensitive to visible elements

👓 Contact lens Myopia Control

👁️‍🗨️ MiSight 1 Day Contact Lenses

We also offer MiSight 1 day soft contact lenses – an effective and convenient option for children who are suitable and motivated to wear contact lenses.

  • Designed specifically for children with myopia

  • Daily disposable – easy to use and hygienic

  • Uses dual-focus optical zones to slow eye growth while providing clear vision

  • Clinically proven to reduce myopia progression by up to 59% over 3 years (Studies conducted in the USA and Canada)

  • Approved for myopia management and licensed for use in children as young as 8

These lenses are ideal for active children, those who play sports, or simply prefer not to wear glasses. We’ll carry out a full suitability assessment and support your child with lens training, handling, and follow-up care.

What to Expect

  • All our myopia management options offer clear, comfortable vision

  • Full-time wear is important – ideally 12+ hours/day for glasses, or daily wear for MiSight

  • Most children adapt quickly and enjoy the same activities as with regular glasses or lenses

  • Regular monitoring and eye exams are part of our ongoing care

  • We'll track both prescription and axial length over time to monitor effectiveness

Is Myopia Management Right for My Child?

Your child may benefit from myopia management if they are:

  • Aged between 6 and 16

  • Experiencing prescription increases year after year

  • Spending significant time on near tasks (e.g. screens, reading)

  • Have a family history of myopia

Book a Myopia Management Consultation

We’ll begin with a thorough eye examination and discuss the best treatment options based on your child’s prescription, lifestyle, and preferences.