Are you short-sighted? There’s a 1 in 3 chance your child will be too…

If you are a parent with short-sightedness, it’s quite likely that your child will inherit the condition. Research shows that the chances of a child developing short-sightedness are:

• 1 in 3, if one parent has the condition[i]
• 1 in 2, if both parents have the condition[i]

Short-sightedness is known to run in families, so if your child is at a higher risk of developing short-sightedness, scheduling regular eye-sight check-ups at the opticians is essential.

Short-sightedness is most likely to develop between the ages of 6 – 13[ii] , and sometimes it can be difficult to know when your child is first experiencing visual problems. Identifying short-sightedness at an early stage is an important factor in limiting the impact that blurry vision has on their childhood, as well as also reduce the risk of developing eye problems in future.ⁱⁱ Luckily, there are signs which you can look out for:

Spotting the signs of short-sightedness[ii]

• As distant images appear blurry, your child may begin moving closer to the TV or to the front of the classroom to try and see more clearly
• Persistently squinting can indicate that they may have vision problems
• Your child may be constantly rubbing their eyes
• Blurred vision may also cause children to experience headaches

Although there is no stopping or reversing short-sightedness, there are options that can help slow down the progression of myopia. MiSight® 1 day contact lenses may help to slow down the advancement of the condition and help to reduce the likelihood of developing high levels of myopia or serious eye problems in the future.[iii]

An astonishing 90% of children say that they actually preferred wearing their MiSight® 1 day contact lenses to their spectacles.[iv] As well as helping children to see clearly, contact lenses also help to improve confidence, their ability to learn and also make it easier to participate actively in sport. Research has also proved that young children tend to be more compliant and likely to form good habits as contact lens wearers if they start at a young age.[v]

If you suspect your child might be showing some signs of short-sightedness, or that they could be at a higher risk of developing the condition, make sure you schedule an eye examination.

Click here to find a MiSight® 1 day optician near you.