A Glasgow eye specialist is hailing a new treatment for myopia in children and young people.
Morven Campbell at Iris Blue Optical in Broomhill said a new lens can slow down the condition.
Modern lifestyles are thought to be behind a global rise in myopia or shortsightedness.
Children spending more time indoors and watching screens are among many factors that have been studied.
The condition can lead to serious eye diseases and complications.
Morven is currently the only accredited optometrist in Glasgow to fit MiyoSmart.
“This is the first time in my career that we have ever been able to do something that really treats this condition, to improve the prescription outcome,” said Morven, optometrist and co owner of Iris Blue Optical.
“I’m so proud to be the first in Glasgow to offer this service, especially being a small practice.”
The revolutionary spectacle lens was designed at the University of Hong Kong.
Research has shown a 60% reduction in myopia progression over a two year period with its use.
The lens works by changing the peripheral focus on the retina, reducing eye growth and maintaining sharp vision.
In the UK, 30% of adults are shortsighted, or myopic, along with 10% of primary school pupils.
Twice as many young adults are myopic in comparison to adults, and globally myopia is predicted to double in the next 30 years.
Morven, an optometrist for 26 years, said: “It is a health problem to be concerned about.
“We’ve known for a while this was a problem but in the last eight years there have been lots of studies in this area that have resulted in solutions.
“We can’t prevent shortsightedness, but we can slow down the progression thanks to this revolutionary new product developed by the University of Hong Kong.”
“This is the first time in my career that we have ever been able to do something that really treats this condition, to improve the prescription outcome”
Morven Campbell
Myopia management is a term used to slow down the progression of myopia.
“It’s unrealistic to stop it, but I’d be delighted if I could slow it down by 60%,” said Morven.
“It hugely decreases a child’s risk of many eye related diseases and can make a big impact on the severity of their shortsightedness as they grow.
“I want people who have short sighted children to understand they can do more than just putting glasses on their children, they can jump in and really slow it down.”
Contact lens products to help correct shortsightedness have been around for a few years.
But this is the first time this technology has been available in spectacle lens form, resulting in a choice.
“People need to know there is now another option.
“I’m quite proactive with this, but my audience is limited to who is coming through my door.”
Parents can book an appointment for their child, who will be given a full eye examination.
A detailed history is collected before talking through all available options.
