Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common eye condition that affects millions of people around the world. It occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, which prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina. Myopia typically develops during childhood and can worsen over time.
Progressive myopia, or high myopia, can lead to serious eye problems later in life, such as retinal detachment and glaucoma. That's why diagnosing and treating myopia early in life is essential.
One of the most effective ways to control myopia progression is with MiSight lenses. MiSight lenses are soft contact lenses specially designed to slow down the growth of the eyeball. They are safe and effective for children and adolescents with myopia.
What Are The Signs of Progressive Myopia?
Some of the signs of progressive myopia include:
- A rapid increase in myopia prescription
- A family history of high myopia
- A high axial length (the length of the eyeball)
- Thinning of the retina
- Peripheral retinal degeneration
What Happens in a Contact Lens Exam?
During a contact lens examination, our optometrists will:
- Perform a comprehensive eye exam to assess your child's vision and eye health
- Measure your child's corneal curvature and tear film quality
- Determine your child's dominant eye
- Teach your child how to insert and remove contact lenses
- Monitor your child's progress over time to ensure that MiSight lenses are working effectively
How Do MiSight Lenses Work?
MiSight lenses have a unique optical design that creates two zones of vision: a central zone that corrects myopia and a peripheral zone that helps to slow down the growth of the eyeball.
The central zone of MiSight lenses works like a traditional soft contact lens, correcting myopia so your child can see clearly. The peripheral zone of MiSight lenses has a slightly different optical power, which creates a mild blurring effect. This blurring effect helps to slow down the growth of the eyeball and prevent myopia progression.
What Do I Need to Know if My Child Wears Contact Lenses?
It is essential to teach your child how to care for their contact lenses properly, including:
- Washing their hands thoroughly before handling their contact lenses
- Disinfecting their contact lenses according to the manufacturer's instructions
- Replacing their contact lenses regularly
- Never sleeping in their contact lenses
It is also important to monitor your child's progress while wearing MiSight lenses, including taking your child to regular eye exams to ensure that their vision is stable and that the lenses are working effectively.
Benefits of MiSight Lenses for Children
MiSight lenses offer several benefits for children with myopia, including:
- They can help to slow down the progression of myopia.
- They can reduce the risk of developing serious eye problems later in life.
- They are safe and effective for children and adolescents.
- They are easy to wear and care for.
- They offer clear vision.
If your child has myopia, talk to us about MiSight lenses. MiSight lenses can be a safe and effective way to control myopia progression and reduce the risk of developing serious eye problems later in life.
Additional Tips for Parents
Here are some additional tips for parents whose children are wearing MiSight lenses:
- Encourage your child to wear their MiSight lenses all day, every day. The more they wear their lenses, the more effective they will be at slowing down myopia progression.
- Help your child develop a regular contact lens care routine, which will help to keep their lenses clean and free of bacteria.
- Monitor your child's progress closely. Take them to regular eye exams to ensure that their vision is stable and that the lenses are working effectively.
- Be patient and supportive. It may take time for your child to adjust to wearing contact lenses.
If you are concerned about your child's myopia, schedule a consultation with your optometrist to discuss MiSight lenses.
Call us at Clarity Eyecare in Ashburn at 703-662-0700 to schedule an appointment today.