New Technology To Control Child Myopia


Researchers in Australia have developed new vision correcting technology that can be used to control visual myopia (or short sightedness) in children. The researchers from the Vision Cooperative Research Centre (Vision CRC) have developed vision correcting technology that can be used in spectacles and contact lenses specially designed for children. It is hoped that this technology can be used to improve the vision of the increasing number of children across the world that are developing childhood myopia at an alarming rate.

The team have found that the peripheral retinal image is a key factor in the growth of myopia and have developed contact lens and spectacle technology that controls the peripheral retinal image. The technology works to improve vision by bringing the peripheral retinal image onto or in front of the retina. Moving the peripheral retinal image in this way not only improves vision by making images clearer but also removes the stimulus that causes myopia to progress and further damage the eye. Clinical trials have shown that the technology slows the progress rate of myopia by up to 30% in children aged under 12.

Myopia is a growing global problem that currently affects as many as 1.6 billion people across the world. The condition worsens with age and can lead to the development of serious eye conditions including retinal detachment, glaucoma and more. The onset of myopia often occurs when children begin school and progressively worsens throughout childhood. Spectacles and contact lenses featuring this new technology are already being clinically tested. It is hoped that this technology will halt the progression of myopia in children. And researchers hope that the technology can be developed to suit adults in the near future.

3rd April 2010

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