Myopia continues to be a common problem for both adults and children. With myopia, distant objects appear blurry, while close-up objects remain clear. In the past, the only way to mitigate the effects of myopia was with glasses or regular contact lenses. But thanks to advancements in eye care technology, there are now alternatives, including myopia control contact lenses.
Myopia control contact lenses using dual focus technology and corneal refractive therapy using rigid gas-permeable lenses are 2 common options for controlling myopia with contact lenses. If you are concerned about your child’s sight, you may want to consider these options for protecting their vision.
The eye care team at McCauley Celin Eyecare Associates can help answer any questions you may have about myopia.
What Are Myopia Control Contact Lenses?
Myopia control contact lenses are specialized lenses designed to slow the progression of myopia for children and young adults. They are similar in appearance to regular contact lenses but are designed with specific features that can help influence how eyes grow and retain their shape to reduce myopia progression.
By slowing down the progression of myopia, myopia control contact lenses can help protect your child’s vision and reduce their risk of developing serious eye conditions later in life.
MiSight 1 Day Lenses
MiSight 1 day contact lenses are one of the myopia control contact lenses we offer. These innovative lenses take advantage of advancements in therapeutic vision correction to support visual acuity while limiting myopia progression.
MiSight 1 day lenses are soft, disposable contact lenses created for children and adolescents diagnosed with myopia. They are uniquely designed with zones of focus and defocus to provide clear vision and slow myopia progression.
How Do MiSight Lenses Work?
Some myopia control contact lenses work by changing the way light enters the eye. Unlike regular contact lenses, which bend light in a way that corrects poor vision, myopia control contact lenses work by reducing the amount of light that passes through the periphery of the eye.
Researchers believe it’s the periphery of the eye that plays a significant role in the development of myopia. By limiting the amount of light that passes through this area, the lenses can slow myopia progression.
MiSight 1 day lenses use their dual-focus design to reduce the effects of nearsightedness. The wearer’s central vision is corrected, while the peripheral vision is left slightly blurred, helping reduce the eye’s elongation. This proactive approach can prevent further myopia progression.
What Are the Benefits of Myopia Control Contact Lenses?
One of the most significant benefits of myopia control contact lenses is that they can help slow or even halt the progression of myopia.
Studies have shown that MiSight 1 day contact lenses can slow the progression of myopia by 59% when compared to standard soft contact lenses. This can reduce the risk of developing serious eye conditions later in life-related to high myopia, including:
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Myopic macular degeneration
- Retinal detachment
In addition, myopia control contact lenses can support clear vision—and often quality of life—for those with myopia.
Who Is a Candidate for Myopia Control Contact Lenses?
Myopia control contact lenses are suitable for children and young adults experiencing frequent lens prescription changes due to increasing myopia. MiSight 1 day contact lenses are recommended for individuals with a myopia prescription between -0.50 diopters and -7.00 diopters and can also be worn by children as young as 8.
What Are the Other Options for Controlling Myopia with Contacts?
Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT Lenses)
Corneal refractive therapy uses specialty CRT lenses that are designed to be worn while you sleep. These lenses gently reshape your cornea overnight, allowing for clear vision with a reduced need for glasses or contact lenses during the day.
Another word used to refer to this method is orthokeratology (ortho-k). The difference in the terminology used often relates to the specific type of lenses being used, but in general, both CRT lenses and other ortho-k lenses are rigid gas-permeable lenses that can be an effective form of myopia control, as they have been shown to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children.
How Can You Prevent Myopia Progression?
In addition to the methods mentioned above, certain lifestyle changes can also help preserve your child’s vision, including:
- Limiting screen time: the 2-hour rule is a guideline that recommends limiting screen time outside of school work to 2 hours per day.
- Encourage more outdoor time: taking a break from activities that use close vision and getting outside by playing in the park or taking a walk can support your child’s eye health and vision.
Test Your Child’s Eyes for Myopia Early
There are plenty of myopia control options available, including contact lenses. Eye care technology and early intervention can make it possible to support your child’s vision and eye health as they grow.
Schedule an eye exam at McCauley Celin Eyecare Associates to speak with us and determine which type of myopia control contact lenses are right for your child.
