Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common among children today. As children spend more time on digital devices and less time outdoors, they are more likely to experience vision problems at a young age. This is where myopia management comes in. It’s crucial to address myopia early on to prevent it from progressing and potentially leading to more serious eye conditions in the future.
One popular method for managing myopia is using special contact lenses. But are myopia management contact lenses safe for children? Keep reading to learn more about these contact lenses and their safety and effectiveness.
What are myopia management contact lenses?
Myopia control contact lenses are specially designed to help slow down the progression of nearsightedness in children. These lenses work by reshaping the cornea (or the clear, dome-shaped window at the front of your eye) and changing the way light focuses on the retina, reducing the elongation of the eye which 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 are specialized contacts that have different powers throughout the lens to help correct both distance and near vision while also slowing down the progression of myopia. Multifocal contacts can be worn during the day and removed at night like regular soft contacts.
- 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 regular lenses, potentially lowering the risk of severe myopia later in life.
- Orthokeratology: Orthokeratology, also known as ortho-k, involves wearing special lenses overnight to reshape the cornea as your child sleeps, providing them with clear vision during the day without glasses or contacts.
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. It’s important for parents to ensure their child follows best practices for contact lens wear and care and sees an eye doctor on a regular basis.
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. Additionally, contact lenses can be very convenient for active children who play sports or are likely to break or lose their glasses.
In conclusion, myopia management contact lenses can be a safe and effective option for children who are experiencing nearsightedness at a young age. At Vision Salon Eye Care Associates, we offer myopia management services in Blue Island, Illinois, and provide various options such as MiSight, multifocal, and ortho-k contact lenses tailored to your child’s specific needs. Schedule an appointment with us today to learn more about how we can help your child see clearly and comfortably!
