Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is becoming more common in children these days.¹ With kids spending more time on digital devices and less time outdoors, they are more likely to experience vision problems at a young age, including myopia.² Addressing myopia early is important—not just to help your child see clearly now, but also to lower the risk of serious eye problems later in life.
One popular method for managing myopia is using special contact lenses. But are myopia management contact lenses safe for children? Read on to find out more about how these contact lenses work and why they’re a safe, effective option for kids.
What are myopia management contact lenses?
Myopia control contact lenses help slow down the progression of nearsightedness in children. These lenses gently reshape the cornea (the clear, dome-shaped window at the front of your eye) and change the way light focuses on the retina, reducing the elongation of the eye that leads to progressive myopia.
Different types of myopia management contact lenses are available, including multifocal lenses, MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses, and orthokeratology lenses.
Multifocal contact lenses
Multifocal contact lenses are designed with different powers across the lens to correct both distance and near vision while also helping slow myopia progression. Kids wear them during the day and remove them at night, just like regular soft contacts.
MiSight® 1 day lenses
MiSight® 1 day lenses are daily disposable soft contact lenses FDA-approved for myopia control in children ages 8-12. Studies show they can decrease myopia progression by 59% over three years compared to standard lenses, potentially lowering the risk of severe myopia later in life.
Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology, or ortho-k, uses specially designed lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. This allows your child to enjoy clear vision during the day without needing glasses or contact lenses. Studies show ortho-k can slow myopia progression by around 50% compared to wearing standard glasses or contact lenses.³
Safety considerations for children
In terms of safety, studies have shown that myopia management contact lenses are generally safe for children when used as directed by an eye care professional. However, as with any medical device, contact lenses can pose potential risks such as infection or irritation.
Parents should ensure their child follows best practices for contact lens wear and care and sees an eye doctor regularly.
Benefits of contact lenses for myopia management
If left untreated, myopia can raise your child’s risk of developing serious eye issues later in life. Wearing contact lenses for myopia management can help lower their chances of developing eye conditions in the future, like retinal detachment, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. Contact lenses can also be more convenient for active children who play sports or are likely to break or lose their glasses.
Take control of your child’s nearsightedness early
Myopia management contact lenses can be a safe and effective way to help nearsighted children see clearly while slowing the progression of their condition. At Vision Salon Eye Care Associates in Blue Island, we offer personalized myopia management options, including MiSight®, multifocal, and ortho-k contact lenses, tailored to your child’s unique needs.
Schedule an appointment with us today to learn more about how we can help your child see clearly and comfortably!
References:
