Are you concerned that your child is getting more and more nearsighted every year?
Are you really nearsighted and don’t want that for your child?
There are now special contact lenses that have been shown to slow the progression of myopia considerably!*
High myopia increases your risk of retinal detachments, tears, glaucoma and other retinal problems.
Pediatric Myopia Control – FAQ
1. What is myopia?
Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a common refractive error of the eye. Most myopia occurs when the eye is too long. When you are nearsighted, your distance vision is blurry but close objects may be clear.
2. Is my child a candidate for myopia control contacts?
Your child may be a candidate if:
• they are willing to insert and remove contacts (usually age 7 or older), taking them out every night and cleaning them
• they are nearsighted and have signs of progression or strong family history of nearsightedness
• they do not have too much astigmatism
3. How do they work?
The lenses are designed with alternating zones to correct central distance vision and provide a different peripheral treatment zone. It is currently thought that the poor focus of the peripheral retina may be causing the progression of nearsightedness. Current studies have shown these lenses may slow the progression by 25-50%.**
4. What are the risks?
The primary risks are those of any other soft contact lens, infection, irritation and corneal ulcers. It is very important that your child never sleep or swim in the lenses and clean them properly every night.
5. Are there alternative treatments?
Alternative treatments include orthokeratology contacts and atropine eye drops.
Call 205.949.2020 to schedule an eye exam or a contact lens consultation with Dr. Rebecca Doss.
*Anstice NS, Phillips JR. Effect of dual-focus soft contact lens wear on axial myopia progression in children. Ophthalmology. 2011 Jun;118(6):1152-61.
**Walline JJ, Jones LA, Sinnott L, et al. A randomized trial of the effect of soft contact lenses on myopia progression in children. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2008 Nov;49(11):4702-6.
