Short-sighted Children and Teens – MiSight Myopia Control Technology
Short-sight or near-sight are common terms for myopia. Put simply, myopia occurs when the eyeball grows long, thus causing distant objects to become blurred. It is a progressive condition throughout childhood and teenage years, slowing down in adulthood. Family history and lifestyle factors both play a part in the progression of myopia.
The most common treatment is to simply use glasses, contact lenses or laser surgery to correct the defocus and regain distance sight. But none of these options actually slow the increase in prescription that people with short-sight are used to.
Continued progression of myopia has a negative impact on lifestyle and can increase the incidence of eye disease such as retinal detachment and glaucoma, therefore slowing the progression of myopia has been of great interest to optometrists for many years. Previous methods have usually only produced small reductions in myopia progression. However, new technology and research has provided people with new ways of seeing that not only are great lifestyle choices, but also have the additional benefit of reducing the likelihood of myopia progression.
One of the newest is MiSightTM contact lenses with ActivControlTM Technology. MiSightTM lenses are daily disposable contact lenses designed to deliver good distance vision but also reduce the likelihood of myopia progression. Daily disposable means single use – no cleaning or worrying about lost lenses. ActivControlTM Technology means there are special treatment zones in the lens designed to provide the eye with the right sort of image to control myopia progression. Even young children are known to wear contact lenses successfully, resulting in increased social acceptance and participation in sporting activities (this is particularly important as increased outdoor activity is associated with less myopia).
MiSightTM contact lenses are recommended for children and teens who are already shortsighted. Anyone who is already shortsighted or has at least one parent who is short-sighted should be regularly assessed due to the increased risk of myopia progression. Contact lenses must be fitted and worn under the guidance of an experienced optometrist to ensure proper handling and application to avoid complications.
If you have any questions about the exciting new technologies for myopia control with MiSightTM or Orthokeratology please call 5520 5900.
