Super Optician - Vision & Hearing Specialist

19/09/2025

𝑴𝒚𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒂 𝒊𝒏 𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒏 :

A global epidemic that threatens vision – how can we stop it?

To reiterate the statistics, 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐦𝐲𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐚. And if no action is taken, this number could skyrocket by 2050, with more than 740 million children having myopia. Childhood myopia is not just a simple problem of needing glasses: it is a progressive condition that weakens the eye and can lead to serious vision problems in adulthood.

𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙢𝙮𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙨𝙤 𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙙𝙡𝙮?
Once considered primarily a genetic condition, childhood myopia is now linked to children's lifestyles:

==> increased screen time;
==> less time spent outdoors;
==> earlier onset of myopia.

As a result, myopia progresses rapidly and reaches more severe levels than before. In France, nearly one in two teenagers between 11 and 13 years old already has myopia.

𝑨 𝒄𝙤𝒏𝙙𝒊𝙩𝒊𝙤𝒏 𝒘𝙞𝒕𝙝 𝙨𝒆𝙧𝒊𝙤𝒖𝙨 𝙘𝒐𝙣𝒔𝙚𝒒𝙪𝒆𝙣𝒄𝙚𝒔
Myopia is not simply blurred vision that can be corrected with glasses for children. In reality, the eye elongates, which increases the risk of conditions such as:

==> Myopic macular degeneration;
==> Retinal detachment;
==> Glaucoma;
==> Or even early cataracts.

Even mild myopia should be monitored: every diopter of vision improvement achieved through managing the progression reduces the risk of future complications.

𝑰𝙢𝒑𝙖𝒄𝙩 𝙤𝒏 𝒒𝙪𝒂𝙡𝒊𝙩𝒚 𝒐𝙛 𝙡𝒊𝙛𝒆 𝒂𝙣𝒅 𝒎𝙚𝒏𝙩𝒂𝙡 𝙝𝒆𝙖𝒍𝙩𝒉
A child with myopia may experience difficulties at school, avoid certain sports activities, and become socially isolated. Several studies have shown a link between vision problems and anxiety or depression in children. This can lead to a vicious cycle: less time spent outdoors, more screen time… and consequently, even greater myopia.

𝘾𝒖𝙧𝒓𝙚𝒏𝙩 𝙨𝒐𝙡𝒖𝙩𝒊𝙤𝒏𝙨 𝙩𝒐 𝒔𝙡𝒐𝙬 𝙙𝒐𝙬𝒏 𝒎𝙮𝒐𝙥𝒊𝙖:
Good news: there are options available to slow the progression of myopia in children:

==> Low-dose atropine: already used in several countries, it reduces the progression of myopia by 30 to 60%. Currently available only in hospital pharmacies, this eye drop solution should be available in regular pharmacies by the end of 2025 or early 2026.

==> Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): rigid contact lenses worn overnight that reshape the cornea and limit axial elongation.

==> Contact lenses: based on the principle of defocus, they significantly slow the progression of myopia. Six-year studies demonstrate the effectiveness of this method of correction.

==> Myopia control eyeglasses: the least restrictive solution, as it is integrated into everyday use of eyeglasses. Several clinical studies over 4 to 6 years show very encouraging results, with a significant reduction in the progression of myopia, both in terms of refractive error and axial length. These lenses are now a simple, effective, and accessible alternative for many children.

𝙒𝒉𝙮 𝙚𝒂𝙧𝒍𝙮 𝙙𝒆𝙩𝒆𝙘𝒕𝙞𝒐𝙣 𝙞𝒔 𝒆𝙨𝒔𝙚𝒏𝙩𝒊𝙖𝒍
The younger a child develops myopia, the greater the risk that their eye will elongate. This is why regular vision screenings with an optometrist or ophthalmologist are so important. Close monitoring allows for appropriate corrective lenses to be prescribed and enables consideration of myopia control treatments.

𝘼𝒄𝙩 𝙚𝒂𝙧𝒍𝙮 𝙩𝒐 𝒑𝙧𝒐𝙩𝒆𝙘𝒕 𝒄𝙝𝒊𝙡𝒅𝙧𝒆𝙣'𝙨 𝙫𝒊𝙨𝒊𝙤𝒏
Myopia in children is no longer just a simple matter of needing glasses. It is a global public health issue. Intervening early protects children's vision and quality of life today, and reduces the risk of serious eye diseases in the future.

Parents, be vigilant for signs of myopia in your children (blurred vision at a distance, needing to sit close to screens, headaches) and don't hesitate to schedule a vision exam. Every year gained in the fight against myopia counts towards preserving their visual future.

If you have any questions, please feel free to visit us at 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗘𝗥 𝗢𝗣𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗡; our optician will be happy to answer your questions and assist you.

19/09/2025

𝗗𝗿𝘆 𝗲𝘆𝗲 𝘀𝘆𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗲 !!

The silent condition affecting one in two adults, according to this study !!

A new international study, presented at the ESCRS (European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons) congress by Dr. Piotr Wozniak, a surgeon and dry eye specialist at Optegra Eye Clinics in Warsaw, Poland, reveals that more than half of the general population suffers from symptoms of dry eye syndrome, while only one in five people has received an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

These figures highlight the need for increased awareness and information, both for patients and for healthcare professionals.

𝐀 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝
Until now, the prevalence of dry eye syndrome in the general population has been widely underestimated. The results of the NESTS study (Needs Unmet in Dry Eye: Symptoms, Treatment and Severity), funded by Bausch + Lomb, challenge these previous estimates.

Conducted on more than 5,000 adults in the UK, France, Germany, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, the study revealed that:

- 58% of the general population report symptoms of dry eye;
- Only 20% of those surveyed in Europe and 17% in the United States have received a formal diagnosis.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭'𝐬 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲: 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡
The NESTS study analyzed in detail the patient journey and the obstacles they face in accessing treatment:

=> Up to one-third of patients waited more than five years before seeking professional help;
=> 60% waited at least four months, and 20% waited more than a year before consulting a healthcare professional;
=> Nearly half of people with dry eye syndrome report experiencing symptoms daily.

This delay in treatment is problematic because dry eye syndrome is a progressive condition. Early intervention can prevent worsening symptoms and the development of a cycle of inflammation.

𝐀 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞
Reading, using electronic devices, driving at night... Dry eye syndrome affects the daily lives of those who suffer from it, impacting many activities:

==> 17% of patients stopped driving at night;
==> 15% reduced their use of air conditioning or heating;
==> 15% stopped wearing makeup.

Furthermore, only 9% of those surveyed reported an improvement in their symptoms over the past year, while 34% reported a worsening.

𝐈𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰-𝐮𝐩
While artificial tears are the most common treatment, only 25% of patients feel that their current treatment is specifically tailored to their needs.

The study also highlighted disparities in patient follow-up across different countries. For example, in France, less than half of patients with dry eye receive scheduled follow-up visits, whereas in Saudi Arabia, the majority (84%) receive proactive follow-up care.

In light of these findings, Dr. Wozniak emphasizes the need to raise public awareness about the causes, consequences, and treatment options for dry eye syndrome. He also stresses the importance of accurate screening and diagnosis, as early intervention is crucial to prevent worsening symptoms.

Filomena Ribeiro, President of ESCRS and Head of the Ophthalmology Department at Hospital da Luz in Lisbon, emphasized the importance for healthcare professionals to discuss this issue with their patients and encourage regular eye examinations.

Because, beyond discomfort, this condition can impact the outcome of most ophthalmic surgeries, including cataract and refractive surgery.

If you would like to learn more, please feel free to visit 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐏𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐍 ; our team will be happy to assist you.

05/05/2025

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝟲 !

A recent opinion piece, supported by the French Society of Ophthalmology and several other learned societies, warns of the harmful effects of early screen exposure in children under 6 years old. This applies to all forms of screen time (television, tablet, phone).

This text, aimed at parents, teachers, caregivers, and policy makers, emphasizes that "neither screen technology nor its content, including supposedly educational content, is adapted to a small, developing brain."

𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 :

Regarding visual health, the document states that "visual development can be altered, with an increased risk of myopization and long-term retinal consequences." These risks are linked to increased sensitivity of children's retinas to the blue light emitted by screens and to often prolonged accommodation to these devices.

The opinion piece also highlights the proven consequences of early and prolonged exposure to screens, which "have already had a serious impact on a younger generation sacrificed on the altar of ignorance."

Health professionals observe daily the damage caused by regular exposure to screens before entering primary school, particularly in terms of language delays, attention and memory problems, and motor restlessness.

𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 :

In light of these findings, the opinion piece calls for collective awareness and an update of recommendations. While the "no screens before age 3" message is deemed insufficient, the signatories now recommend "no screens before age 6," both at home and at school.

The text emphasizes the need to inform and raise awareness among parents and professionals, as well as the role of institutions and the government in training early childhood professionals and implementing information campaigns.

This isn't about demonizing digital tools, but rather reminding us that "there's an age for everything" and that screens don't meet the basic needs of young children, the article states.

After the age of 6, screen use must be regulated: a consensus recommends a maximum of one hour of screen time per day between the ages of 6 and 9.

𝑂𝑢𝑟 𝑂𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑣𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑖𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠.

16/04/2025

Dear Customers,

Exceptionally, we will be closed from Friday 18th April to Monday 21st April due at Easter weekend.

You can pass anytime tomorrow or we will have the pleasure to see you from next Tuesday !

Happy Easter 🐰 🐣

26/03/2025

Partial Solar Eclipse on 29 March 2025

This Saturday, March 29, 2025, there will be a partial solar eclipse.

It will be visible primarily in Western and Northern Europe, Northwest Africa, but also throughout the northeastern part of Canada, as well as Greenland.

On St Maarten, this eclipse will be only 7% partially visible, around 6:00 a.m.

We remind you of what you should definitely not do, even if this eclipse is only partial:

* Do not observe the Sun without special solar eclipse glasses;
* Do not view the Sun through a camera, telescope, or binoculars without an appropriate filter (such as an AstroSolar with a density of 5.0);
* Do not use conventional solar lenses, regardless of their class (even class 4 or 5 is not sufficient);
* Do not reuse old glasses, even if they are suitable for solar eclipses (the filters are fragile, so these glasses are for single use only);
* No makeshift solutions of any kind: looking through a colander, a CD, stacking several pairs of unsuitable glasses, etc.

Our Optician is available to provide you with any additional information.

22/11/2024

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 : 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬, 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬, 𝐠𝐞𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

Eight years ago, a first meta-analysis on the prevalence of myopia and high myopia in the world by 2050 launched the mobilization around this epidemic.

The latest general report on myopia confirms the global growth of myopia and revises forecasts upwards with 40% of the world population affected (instead of 34% previously), which represents:

 Nearly 5 billion myopes in 2050;
 Around 1 billion high myopes, or 10% of the world population in 2050 (estimated at 10 billion individuals)

𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝
While this visual disorder affects all regions of the world, the geographical disparity is very significant depending on the continents, as well as within the countries themselves.

 Asia : 35%
 Europe : 23%
 North America : 21%
 Oceania : 8%
 Africa : 5%
 Latin America : 4%

Among the most affected Asian countries are Japan (86%), South Korea (74%) and Singapore (44%) !!

Note: it is conceivable that given the size of China and the diversity of its territories, the national average is only 41%. On the other hand, it is unlikely that Singapore has only 44% of myopes in its population since it is highly urbanized and educated, 2 major factors in the prevalence of myopia.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞
The sometimes significant difference between continents is explained by the large number of factors favoring myopia, namely:

 ethnic origin (myopia twice as frequent in Asia);
 family heredity;
 gender (women +3%);
 urban areas (+12%)

𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐲𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐚
The systematic use of digital technology, whether for work or entertainment, and the lack of outdoor activity promote myopia: indoor work, indoor sports, indoor leisure, screens, etc. In other words, the lack of exposure to daylight and the excessive stimulation of near vision are added to genetic factors.

This is why it is advisable to limit prolonged activities in near vision (reading, screens, etc.) and supervise their practice and to favor outdoor activities to benefit from the protective role of daylight (at least 2 hours per day).

Some countries such as China have taken drastic measures to impose outdoor activities for children and digital consumption quotas, such as limiting access to online games - although fighting myopia is not the only argument.

𝕄𝕪𝕠𝕡𝕚𝕒, 𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕔𝕖𝕣𝕟 𝕒𝕥 𝕒𝕝𝕝 !

20/11/2024

𝐌𝐲𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐚 : 𝐛𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟓𝟎, 𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐟 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝'𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝

According to experts, around 35% of the world's population is currently myopic, but this figure could 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝟓𝟎% 𝐛𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟓𝟎 The cause is changes in our lifestyles, including increased exposure to screens from a young age, which has harmful effects on visual health. Experts are urging parents to limit screen use among children in order to protect their eyes.

𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐏𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐍, aware of the impact of new technologies on the eyesight of younger generations, is actively involved in prevention.

Parents have a key role to play in limiting children's exposure to screens, the main cause of the increase in myopia. The blue light emitted by screens causes visual fatigue which, combined with near vision activities, promotes the development of myopia. To alleviate these effects, 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐏𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐍 offers various treatments and products adapted to young people, including lenses specifically designed to filter blue light. "In 10 or 15 years, we risk seeing an explosion in cases of myopia if nothing is done."

Do not hesitate to come to 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐏𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐍, we will be there to advise and assist you.

𝐄𝐲𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥 !!

Call now to connect with business.

20/11/2024

19/11/2024

18/11/2024

Myopia, Risk for our children:

We remind you that prevention and screening are essential from a very young age.

Faced with the public health issue of myopia, Super Optician is taking action and proposes eye tests in our store throughout the year, information on good practices to adopt, advice on the right choice of equipment according to the medical prescription.

A reminder of some figures:

The results of this study show that age is the determining factor in the progression of myopia:

* Myopia progresses the most between the ages of 7 and 12, with progression in 33% of children aged 7 to 9 and 29% of 9-12 year olds;
* Nearly 25% of children have a progression of myopia between the 1st and 2nd year of follow-up;
* The most myopic children have a 58% risk of developing high myopia during the follow-up compared to less than 5% in less myopic children.

How to prevent and slow down myopia, some prevention tips:

* Promote outdoor activities;
* Limit the time spent in front of screens to 30 minutes per day;
* Respect a reading distance of approximately 30 cm;
* Favor work in daylight.

It is essential to detect myopia early in order to correct it and monitor its development, by implementing solutions adapted to each child and thus reduce the risks of complications later.

Come to visit our store, we are looking forward to seeing you.

18/11/2024

🌟 Life is Better in BIGGIES! 👓

Turn heads with the new Versace eyewear collection now available at Super Optician - Vision & Hearing Specialist in Cay Hill, St. Maarten! 😎✨

Whether you’re looking to elevate your style, make a bold statement, or simply see the world in stunning clarity, these frames are the must have accessory.

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Stop by today to find your perfect pair and experience why life truly is better in BIGGIES!

15/11/2024

HAPPY FRIDAY !! Get ready to go to SUPER OPTICIAN 😊