Myopia Control
Myopia, or short-sightedness, is a condition where distance vision is blurry and near vision is clear. Glasses, contact lenses or laser surgery are needed to make the distance vision clear. It typically develops in childhood and worsens until adulthood before stabilizing. As a person’s myopia increases, so too does their risk of developing retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts and myopic maculopathy later in life.
Rates of myopia are increasing globally, including in New Zealand, where the rate is currently 22%. Estimates suggest that by 2050, more than half the world’s population will have myopia. Genetics as well as our modern lifestyles are contributing to the rise of myopia, but there are things you can do to decrease the chance of you (or your child) becoming myopic, or more myopic. These include maximizing time spent outdoors, and minimizing time spent doing near tasks such as reading or using digital devices. There is also a range of safe and proven treatments available to slow the progression of myopia in children at high risk, including contact lens, spectacle lens and eye drop options. It is crucial to intervene as early as possible in children at risk, as every step of myopia that develops increases the child’s risk for serious ocular health complications later in life.
In our myopia control clinic, we conduct thorough eye examinations to establish a person’s level of risk for progressing myopia, and create personalized treatment plans to best suit the needs of each patient based on family history, lifestyle, and risk. We have technology such as IOL Master to monitor progression and treatment response thoroughly. Many of the treatment options will slow the progression of myopia while making vision clear at the same time.
If you have a family history of short sightedness, find your distance vision blurry, or do a lot of near work, book in for an eye exam to learn more about your risk profile and what options may suit you.
Frequently asked questions
In NZ an optometrist can calculate the prescription for glasses, fit contact lenses, diagnose and treat eye conditions and infections with medication. They can also manage ocular injuries including removing foreign objects. If surgery or specialist treatment is required they can refer to an ophthalmologist (eye surgeon), hospital, or other health care specialist. NZ-trained optometrists must complete a 5-year degree at the University of Auckland before becoming registered.
A dispensing optician has formal training in optical dispensing. They are qualified to help a client choose frames, read a prescription, discuss lens options, take measurements, order and fit glasses.
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who has specialised in the treatment of serious eye disease and ocular surgery such as cataract removal. They do not typically prescribe glasses or contact lenses.
While payment is generally required on the day of appointment, we do offer a number of payment options including Afterpay, Genoapay, QCard, and GoCardless.
Yes, we do.
Yes, you can.
Yes, if you are under 16 years of age you may be eligible for a subsidy for glasses. MSD criteria apply.
No. We are closed on public holidays and long weekends as we believe our staff should have the chance to enjoy this time with friends and family.
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