Helping Your Child Safeguard Their Sight
Have you ever noticed your child squinting to see the TV screen, struggling to read the board in class, or having trouble playing sports–especially if they involve catching or throwing? It could be nearsightedness (myopia).
Myopia is a common vision condition in which distant objects look blurry, and can affect you or your child’s long-term eye health. While we can’t cure myopia, we can help slow its progression and prevent it from getting worse.
At Island Eyecare, we offer a few methods to help your child safeguard their sight. We’ll work with you and your child to find comfortable options. Book your child’s eye exam today.
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What Causes Nearsightedness?
Nearsightedness often comes from a mix of risk factors like family genes and a passion for up-close activities (reading, studying, detailed crafts, or prolonged screen time on tablets or phones). Myopia happens when the eye grows too long or the cornea is too curved.
Myopia typically develops during the first few years of school and worsens until the eye stops growing in early adulthood.
How Does Myopia Affect Vision & Eye Health?
Nearsightedness often gets worse over time and can worsen rapidly. It might start with your child squinting at distant objects, but it can advance to the point where they need glasses just to see across the kitchen table.
Sometimes, their prescription might be too strong for regular contact lenses. Or they might need a new prescription with new lenses every school year.
High myopia can increase the chances of developing serious eye conditions, like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or even retinal detachment.
Types of Myopia Management
We understand that managing your child’s eye health and vision is a unique journey. Our experienced eye doctors offer a personalized approach, recognizing that what works for one may not be ideal for another.
We’ll work closely with you and your child to develop an effective management plan, often using a combination of options to find the best fit for your child’s lifestyle, comfort level, and vision needs.
Whether through specialized contact lenses or eyeglasses, our goal is to provide a personalized solution that fits seamlessly into your child’s life.
Soft contact lenses for myopia management work by inducing peripheral defocus, blurring side vision to disrupt the eye’s natural growth signals and slow myopia progression. These disposable, daily-wear lenses are easy for kids to handle—no cleaning needed.
CooperVision’s MiSight 1 Day and ACUVUE Abiliti are specifically designed for children and offer a comfortable and effective way to manage myopia. These lenses are typically recommended for children as young as 8.
Orthokeratology (ortho-k) uses custom, rigid contact lenses worn overnight to help slow myopia progression. These lenses can gently reshape the cornea, providing clear vision all day without glasses or daytime contacts.
Ortho-k can be a great choice for children who may not be suited for soft contacts or don’t like wearing glasses, especially active kids.
Myopia spectacle lenses use peripheral defocus management to intentionally blur side vision, signaling to your eyes to slow growth and reduce eye elongation.
Hoya’s MiyoSmart is an innovative spectacle lens proven to curb myopia progression in children by 60%.
Zeiss MyoCare lenses have 2 age-related options, with MyoCare for kids under 10 and MyoCare S for kids 10 and up. On average, ZEISS MyoCare designs show slowed eye growth by 86% in children aged 10–12 and by 63% in children aged 7–9.
Low-dose atropine eye drops have proven effective in slowing myopia progression. These drops are usually given before bed, since atropine can cause temporarily blurred vision.
While atropine can help slow down the progression, it doesn’t correct vision, so your child might still need glasses or contact lenses during the day.
Be Proactive About Your Child’s Vision
About 30% of Canadians have myopia, and the numbers are climbing. By taking action now, you can help your child reduce their risk of serious eye conditions and support their confidence in their vision.
Book your child’s eye exam today and explore options for managing myopia.
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Community Award
- Platinum in Administrative Services
- Platinum in Contact Lenses
- Platinum in Eyeglasses
- Platinum in Sunglasses
- Platinum in Opticians
- Platinum in Optometrists
Dry Eye Services & Diagnostics
At Island Eyecare, we work hard to find innovative ways to invest in your eye health and vision. We offer a range of modern technologies and treatment options to help alleviate dry eye and offer you genuine relief.
Our main goal is to get to the root of your symptoms, so you can enjoy longer-lasting relief from red, scratchy eyes.
Rediscover Clearer Vision with MacuMira
Island Eyecare is excited to offer MacuMira, a groundbreaking, noninvasive treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). If you have vision loss caused by dry AMD, MacuMira could be the solution you’ve been waiting for.
This clinically tested technology uses microcurrent stimulation to help nourish and restore your vision, improving your ability to see and experience life with greater clarity. Schedule a consultation with us to learn if MacuMira can help you take the first step toward clearer vision.
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University Teaching Program
Dr. Shaun MacInnis is thrilled to serve as a Clerkship supervisor at the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry and Vision Science. The Clerkship program offers students invaluable hands-on experience, significantly enhancing their clinical, diagnostic, and management skills.
Our Location in Sydney
Find us in Sydney, Nova Scotia, on the corner of Welton Street and Spruce Street. Our office is down just from the Sydney Memorial Chapel. There is ample free parking next to our building.
Our Address
- 117 Welton Street
- Sydney, NS B1P 5R6
Contact Information
- Phone: 902-539-0800
- Email: [email protected]
Hours of Operations
Our Google Reviews
Our Testimonials
Super friendly services. Cleanliness and sterilization routines were impeccable! You will feel 100% safe and comfortable here. They also have very modern and numerous pieces of equipment to assure that every aspect of your eye care is investigated thoroughly!
Ron D.
Outstanding practice! Dr. Shaun MacInnis has totally re-vamped this facility with the most advanced technologies in eye care and vision needs. Extremely professional, knowledgeable, and courteous staff. I highly recommend Brittany, a tremendous optician, who is sure to provide you with excellent service for all of your eyewear needs! She is superior in her field! Well done Island Eyecare!
Elizabeth M
Professional and courteous staff, took time to explain and answer questions. Very thorough examination and use of the latest technologies to support the doctor.
Alan A.
It’s always a great experience going to Island Eyecare. Shaun and staff are extremely knowledgeable and always a great pleasure to deal with! Shout out to Jessica who made my visit today a little brighter with her awesome personality and helpfulness. 🙂
Deanna H.
Loved my experience. The inside was completely made over, which completely blew me away. The staff were extremely helpful and up to date with the latest trends and technologies. The eye care professional was professional and very thorough.
Roddie M.
