Tackling ‘myopia epidemic’

Vision Camberwell Optometrists are preventing children from needing stronger glasses.

Vision Camberwell is one of the leading practices offering orthokeratology, more commonly referred to as ortho-K – a revolutionary treatment to correct your vision while you sleep.

It is a safe, reversible, convenient, and non-surgical alternative to vision correction, giving you clear vision all day without the need for spectacles or day-time contact lenses.

It uses a specialised breathable contact lens that is worn only while you are asleep.

It is also one of the most effective treatment options to slow the increase of short-sightedness (myopia) in children, with research supporting its myopia-controlling effect dating back to 1980.

The first 20 years of life is the period of highest risk for the development and progression of myopia, leaving you with blurred long-distance vision.

Having myopia is not only inconvenient, but it also increases your risk of more serious eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, macula defects, and retinal detachments.

The world is experiencing a myopia epidemic, with predictions that 50 percent of the world’s population will be myopic by 2050.

Digital devices, increased screen time, and reduced outdoor play are key contributing factors to this short-sightedness epidemic, according to Shonit Jagmohan and Jue Wang, of Vision Camberwell Optometrists.

Vision Camberwell has been operating in Camberwell for more than 50 years, and over this period has built a reputation as one of the leading contact lens practices in Victoria.

As the Fellowship Chair of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (IAOMC) for the Oceania Region, Shonit Jagmohan finds many parents bring their children to Vision Camberwell because they want the best possible outcomes when dealing with their children’s vision.

According to Shonit, only being recommended stronger glasses by an optometrist is not best practice when considering the long-term risks of short-sightedness.

Growing up short-sighted, Jue Wang has firsthand knowledge of the limitations of short-sightedness in active children.

According to Jue, many children don’t want to wear glasses and oftentimes won’t wear them when prescribed.

Ortho-K is also an effective treatment for long-sightedness, astigmatism, and difficult reading vision after the age of 40 years old.

It is also a great alternative to laser treatment.

To make an appointment, call the practice on 9882 5666 or book online at visioncamberwell.com.au.