Slow the progress of your child’s short sightedness with MyCon lenses
Is your child short sighted? If so, they are not alone. Short sightedness – or myopia to give it its technical term – is on the increase worldwide.
In fact by 2020, short sightedness affected more than one-third of the world’s population – a sharp increase over the past two decades.
What is myopia?
Myopia occurs when the light rays that enter the eye converge too much and come to a focal point in front of the retina giving a blurry image. In effect, the eyeball is too long. The longer it is the more short sighted you will be. Short sightedness | Eye health – Patrick & Menzies optician (patrickandmenzies.co.uk)
In real terms it means you can see objects clearly when they are close-up, but anything in the distance may appear blurry.
Why is myopia on the increase?
It’s thought that the increase in myopia among children has much to do with them typically spending less time outside and more time indoors looking at screens and focusing on what is directly in front of them.
Not only will myopia influence the quality of their vision today, it is thought that it can also lead to a potential increase in eye disease in later life.
How we can help
At Patrick & Menzies we are always looking for new products and approaches which will help improve our patients’ eye health. Having seen the number of young patients with myopia increase over the past few years we are excited to offer Rodenstock’s cutting-edge MyCon lenses which not only correct myopia but also help to slow its progression.
How are MyCon lenses different to normal lenses?
While normal single vision lenses can be used to correct myopia and sharpen vision, they aren’t designed to control the progression of the condition.
In some cases, the child’s eyes try to adapt, causing the myopia to increase.
Rodenstock MyCon lenses have been developed to control eye elongation, slowing the progression of myopia while helping to maintain the child’s vision.
Although still a fairly new product, MyCon lenses are already proving to have positive results. Rodenstock explain: “A five-year independent clinical study of European children has shown that lenses of Rodenstock MyCon can slow the progression of myopia by up to 40%”
How MyCon lenses work
MyCon lenses can be of benefit whatever level of myopia your child has.
Rodenstock explains: “With MyCon lenses, light is diffused so that it strikes the periphery in front of the retina rather than behind it. This slows eye-length growth.”
The areas that control myopia progression in a MyCon lens are placed at the sides of the lenses to ensure that the child’s central vision is still sharp and disturbed as little as possible.
How much do MyCon lenses cost?
The price of the lenses will depend on the level of myopia your child is experiencing, and the NHS voucher that your child would be entitled to does not cover the whole cost unfortunately. In most instances, the cost is spread over a manageable direct debit, either in entirety, or you can pay a deposit and spread the remainder. Rodenstock also guarantee the success, so that if there is a change in strength over 0.50 dioptres or more, they will update the lens(es) free of charge.
It’s best to call us and speak to one of our dispensing opticians to explain the fee structure.
How do I sign up for MyCon lenses for my child?
If you are interested in exploring whether MyCon lenses would be of benefit for your child, please give us a call in the first instance to discuss making an appointment. Alternatively chat to the optician at your child’s next regular eye test. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
