Myopia (short-sightedness) is the most common and fastest-growing ocular condition globally. It typically begins in childhood and progresses through adolescence, increasing the risk of sight-threatening complications later in life. Fortunately, there are now clinically proven methods of myopia control that can significantly slow its progression.
Eye care professionals worldwide are increasingly concerned about the rapid rise in myopia. According to the Internatoinal Myopia Institute, myopia affected nearly 30% of the global population in 2020, and this is projected to reach 50% by 2050, with 10% developing high myopia, which carries a greater risk of vision impairment. In the UK, we are seeing a similar pattern as myopia prevalence has risen steadily over the past decades.
At Zacks London Eye Clinic, our optometrists are trained in the latest myopia management strategies. We offer personalised advice and treatment plans to help minimise myopia progression and protect long-term eye health.
To make an appointment simply call us on 020 7713 7713 or send an email to: info@zackseyes.co.uk
Myopia Development
Myopia typically develops between six and thirteen years of age and progresses fastest in younger years before stabilising in early adulthood.
Several factors play a role in the development and progression of myopia including: age of onset, family history, ethnicity, binocular vision status and environment.
The chances of developing myopia are approximately 3x higher when one parent is myopic and 7x higher when both parents are myopic. Light exposure is also thought to have a significant impact. Myopia progression increases in winter months and has much higher prevalence in urban settings, especially in children who spend more time indoors and perform more near work / more screen time.
The Need for Myopia Control
The prevalence of visual impairment rapidly rises with increasing myopia, especially in old age. Even low myopia significantly increases the risks of cataract, glaucoma, retinal detachment and macular degeneration. Myopia greater than -6.00D is termed pathological myopia because at that level the odds of developing several eye diseases are greatly increased.
The Benifits of Myopia Control Treatment
Slowing down the progression of myopia will significantly reduce the chance of developing high myopia and therefore greatly reduce the risk of visual impairment in later life.
Before starting any myopia management plan, a comprehensive eye examination is essential, with particular attention to how the eyes focus at near. In most cases, this includes a cycloplegic refraction and a full binocular vision assessment. Additional imaging of the front of the eye may be required to assess suitability for options such as orthokeratology or contact lens wear. Following this assessment, our optometrists will discuss the available evidence-based myopia management strategies and guide you in choosing the most appropriate option for your child. Please note that myopia management is an elective treatment, and while current approaches are supported by research, there is no government-approved or guaranteed method to stop myopia progression. Informed consent will be obtained before commencing any treatment.
Time Outdoors & Reduced Near Work
Increased outdoor activity, regardless of the type of activity, has been shown to be protective against development of myopia, along with low to moderate levels of near work. Children should of course be encouraged to read and do their school work, but to balance this by reducing other leisure activities involving near tasks and screens, and ensure more time is spent outdoors (ideally 2-3 hours per day).
Spectacle Lenses
Spectacle lenses designed for myopia control are an effective, non-invasive option for slowing myopia progression in children. Unlike standard single-vision lenses which do not slow progression, specialized designs such as (Hoya) MiyoSmart or (Essilor) Stellest aim to reduce axial elongation by creating zones of myopic defocus on the retina.
Progressive spectacle lenses including bifocals and multifocals (often called varifocals) can also be beneficial in certain circumstances, when myopia progression is accompanied by difficulty focussing and aligning the eyes for near tasks, whereas in other cases they have little benefit.
Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology treatment, also known as overnight vision correction involves wearing specially designed rigid gas permeable contact lenses to gently alter the shape of the cornea to correct myopia. The aim is to be free of both glasses and contact lenses during the day. Orthokeratology has proven to be very effective for myopia control by several studies including a recent Cochrane review.
Multifocal Contact Lenses
Monthly disposable multifocal soft contact lenses are available in a wide range of prescriptions and can be tailor made to almost any size and shape. Recent studies show that certain lens designs, although not designed for myopia control, can reduce myopia progression by 30-50%.
1 Day Disposable Contact Lenses
We currently offer two types of daily disposable contact lenses for myopia control. Both options are comfortable, easy to use.
MiSight 1 day
Backed by strong clinical research, MiSight lenses have been shown to slow myopia progression by around 59% over 3 years compared to regular lenses. They are the first soft contact lens specifically approved for myopia control.
NaturalVue Multifocal 1 Day (AKA Bloom 1 Day)
These lenses use a special design to help manage myopia. Long-term practitioner studies have shown excellent results, with many children experiencing very little change in their prescription over several years. A large clinical trial is also confirming these benefits.
Repeated Low-Level Red-light therapy (RLRL)
RLRL is a new approach to managing myopia. Studies in Chinese children have shown RLRL is extremely effective in slowing progression, with some individuals even seeing a reduction in their prescription. The therapy is thought to work by boosting blood flow and supporting healthy eye tissue.
Recently, some concerns have been raised about long term use of some RLRL devices used overseas, and regulators are reviewing their long-term safety. While these issues have not involved our clinic or the devices we use, we believe it’s important to wait for more research before starting new patients on this treatment.
Medication
Low dose atropine drops have been shown to be safe and effective in slowing myopia progression in some children.
As a single therapy they are no more effective than myopia control spectacles or contact lenses described above, which would usually be offered as the first line of treatment.
However when high myopia continues to progress rapidly, low dose atropine in combination with myopia control glasses or contact lenses can improve the control.
Earlier in 2025, the European Commission approved a low-dose atropine product (Ryjunea® 0.1 mg/mL) for children aged 3 to 14 years who have significant myopia progression. This is the only low dose atropine eye drop to be licenced in Europe and we will add it to our portfolio as soon as it is available in the UK.
In the meantime, If needed, we can refer your child to a Paediatric Ophthalmologist, who can provide a special prescription, to the hospital pharmacy.
If you are concerned about your / your child’s progressive myopia please get in touch to make an appointment at our central London practice.
Read More:
The latest spectacle lenses provide sharp vision though a clear optical centre, whilst inducing peripheral defocus to slow myopia progression.
Contact lenses for myopia management are available in daily , monthly or tailor made, centre distance, multifocal designs for all prescriptions.
Ortho-k lenses gently reshape the eye during sleep to provide clear vision during the day without glasses or contact lenses.
Repeated Low-level Red light therapy involves looking into a take home device for 3 minute treatment sessions, ten times per week.
‘Since starting treatment my sons prescription has hardly changed in 4 years’
Thomas Chang
Your Trusted Local Optometrists in Fitzrovia
At Zacks London Eye Clinic, we are dedicated to providing the highest standard of clinical care to patients throughout central London. From our tranquil Warren Mews clinic, we offer a comprehensive range of eye examination services to families and professionals living and working in the Fitzrovia, Bloomsbury, and Euston areas. Whether you are visiting us from nearby Regent’s Park or commuting into the West End, our experienced team provides a personalised, unhurried experience focused entirely on the long-term health of your vision.
