13 Aug Protecting Your Child’s Sight: Myopia Control at Nicholson Eyecare, Bransgore
Over the past 50 years, cases of childhood myopia—more commonly known as short-sightedness—have more than doubled, and the numbers are still rising. In the UK, it’s estimated that 1 in 3 people are affected, and experts now predict that half the world’s population will be myopic by 2050.
For families in Bransgore and the New Forest area, this trend is more than just a statistic—it’s about ensuring our children can see clearly, thrive at school, and protect their eye health for the future.
At Nicholson Eyecare, we’re proud to offer advanced myopia management options to help slow its progression and keep young eyes healthier for longer.
What is Myopia and Why is it Increasing?
Myopia happens when the eyeball grows slightly too long from front to back. This changes how light focuses inside the eye—falling in front of the retina instead of directly on it—making distant objects appear blurry.
While glasses or contact lenses can correct vision, they don’t stop myopia from progressing. That’s why early intervention is so important.
We don’t yet know all the reasons why myopia is increasing so rapidly, but factors include:
Family history: If one parent is short-sighted, a child is three times more likely to develop myopia. If both parents are myopic, the risk jumps to seven times higher.
Lifestyle changes: More screen time, more indoor time, and less exposure to natural light.
Reduced outdoor play: Spending time outside helps the eyes focus at different distances and may slow myopia development.
Why Early Eye Tests are Essential
Myopia often starts between the ages of 6 and 13, but children don’t always realise their vision is blurred. They may think everyone sees the way they do.
Signs to look for include:
Sitting close to the TV or holding books very close
Squinting to see the board at school
Complaining of headaches or tired eyes
Blinking more than usual
Annual eye tests—or more often if advised—mean we can spot changes early and start myopia management before prescriptions climb higher.
The Risks of Progressive Myopia
A mild myopia prescription may simply require glasses, but higher levels of myopia can increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as:
Glaucoma
Cataracts
Retinal detachments
Myopic maculopathy
The more myopia progresses, the greater these risks become—which is why slowing progression is so important.
Advanced Myopia Control at Nicholson Eyecare
We offer two proven myopia management options, both suitable for children and tailored to their lifestyle and comfort:
MiYOSMART Spectacle Lenses
Created by renowned lens supplier HOYA
Clinically proven to slow myopia progression by up to 60% on average
Lightweight, impact-resistant, anti-reflective, and UV-protective
We carry a specially selected range of Wolf frames designed to pair perfectly with MiYOSMART lenses
MiSight 1-Day Soft Contact Lenses
Suitable for children as young as 8
Daily disposable for convenience and hygiene
Proven in clinical studies to reduce myopia progression
90% of children could handle them independently after training
Bespoke Consultations for Young Eyes
At Nicholson Eyecare, every child’s eyes—and lifestyle—are different. That’s why we offer extended, relaxed fitting appointments to:
Assess vision and eye health
Discuss hobbies, sports, and screen use
Recommend the most suitable myopia control method
Provide guidance on outdoor time and visual habits to protect vision
We’re here to support you and your child every step of the way, with follow-up care to monitor progress.
Helping Young Eyes Stay Healthy
You can also help slow myopia progression at home by encouraging:
At least 90 minutes outdoors daily
The 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes of close work, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
Holding books, tablets, and phones at least 30–40cm from the eyes
Don’t wait for blurred vision to cause problems in the classroom or on the sports field.
Book your child’s eye test at Nicholson Eyecare in Bransgore today—and let’s work together to protect their sight for the future.
