As a parent, you want to give your child every advantage for a bright future. When you notice them squinting to see the board at school or sitting closer to the TV, you naturally want to find a solution. Myopia, or nearsightedness, is common in children, but simply correcting their blurry vision may not be enough.
You may wonder if there’s a way to slow down the frequency of their prescription changes over time. MiSight 1 Day contact lenses use a special optical design to both correct blurry vision and send signals that can help slow the eye’s growth, which addresses the progression of myopia. This innovative approach offers more than clear sight for today; it’s about getting the right information through children’s eye exams to support your child’s long-term eye health.
What Is Myopia and Why Does It Matter?
Myopia, often called nearsightedness, is a common eye condition that can develop during childhood. It means your child sees nearby objects clearly, but things farther away appear blurry. This occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
Signs of Myopia in Your Child
Your children may not always know how to explain that their vision is blurry, as it’s the only way they’ve ever seen. You may notice a few key signs that can point to myopia or other vision issues, including:
- Persistent squinting to see distant objects
- Needing to sit closer to the television or the front of the classroom
- Frequent eye rubbing
- Excessive blinking
- Unawareness of objects in the distance
The Importance of Myopia Control
As children grow, their eyes grow along with them, which can cause myopia to become stronger. This progression can lead to a greater reliance on glasses or contacts in their adult years. High levels of myopia can also be associated with serious eye conditions later in life, so the goal of myopia control is to slow down this progression.
An Introduction to MiSight 1 Day Lenses
MiSight 1 Day lenses are soft, daily disposable contact lenses made specifically for children. They provide a 2-in-1 benefit that many parents appreciate. The lenses correct your child’s blurry distance vision while also working to slow the progression of their myopia.
Designed with Kids and Parents in Mind
Because they are daily disposables, MiSight lenses offer some advantages for busy families and adhere to Health Canada’s safety guidelines for contact lens use. Some benefits of daily disposable lenses include:
- No cleaning or storage is required.
- You use a fresh, new pair every day.
- The soft material is comfortable for children to wear.
- Many children as young as 8 can learn to handle them with confidence.
The Technology Behind MiSight
MiSight lenses use a special design to manage how light focuses in the eye. This is what sets them apart from standard contact lenses that only correct blurry vision. This approach addresses both clear vision and the signals that influence eye growth.
How ActivControl® Technology Works
The cleverness is in the lens design, which features different zones to manage how light enters the eye:
- Vision correction zones: 2 zones in the lens have the prescription power your child needs to see distant objects clearly, just like a regular contact lens.
- Treatment zones: 2 other zones create what we call myopic defocus, which helps signal the eye to slow its growth; the key to slowing myopia progression.
A Different Approach Than Regular Contacts
Standard contact lenses correct blurry vision by focusing all light directly onto the central retina. While this helps your child see clearly, it doesn’t address the signals that can cause the eye to keep growing longer.
MiSight’s unique design manages both clear vision and eye growth signals simultaneously, similar to other modern solutions, such as ortho-k lenses. It’s all about which myopia control option is right for your child.
Common Questions Parents Ask About MiSight
It’s completely normal to have questions when considering a new option for your child’s vision. We hear a few common questions from parents who want to learn more. Here are some of the most frequent topics that come up in our discussions.
How Effective Are These Lenses?
A multi-year clinical study found that MiSight 1 Day lenses slowed the progression of myopia in children by 59% on average. This was compared to a standard single-vision one-day lens over a three-year period.
Can MiSight Reverse Myopia?
No, MiSight lenses are not able to reverse myopia that is already present. The treatment is designed to slow down the future progression of nearsightedness. Its purpose is management, not a cure.
Do MiSight Lenses Correct Astigmatism?
MiSight lenses are designed for children who have a refraction of -0.75 to -10.00 diopters. They can also have ≤ 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. An eye exam can confirm if your child’s prescription falls within this range.
How Many Hours a Day Should My Child Wear MiSight?
For the treatment to be effective, children should wear the lenses for at least 10 hours a day, 6 days a week. Your optometrist can provide specific advice based on your child’s eyes and daily routine.
Benefits for Your Child’s Active Life
Beyond vision correction and myopia control, wearing contact lenses can have a very positive impact on your child’s daily life. Many children feel a new sense of freedom and confidence. This can be especially true for kids involved in sports and other activities.
Freedom for Sports and Activities
Contact lenses provide clear, unobstructed vision, which is a big help for kids who play sports. They don’t have to worry about glasses fogging up, slipping down their nose, or breaking during a game. For kids who prefer eyewear, we also offer a wide selection of sports and safety glasses. This allows them to focus on the fun.
A Positive Impact on Self-Perception
Some research suggests that wearing contact lenses can improve how a child feels about their physical appearance and social acceptance. This boost can be a wonderful side benefit of a treatment that also protects their future eye health.
Take the Next Step in Myopia Control
Taking a proactive approach to your child’s myopia can support their vision now and for years to come. The first step is a comprehensive eye exam, where we can determine if your child is a good candidate for MiSight 1 Day lenses. We can also answer all your specific questions in a homey, welcoming environment.
At Trinity Hills Eyecare, we are passionate about providing personalized care for your whole family. If you have noticed signs of myopia in your child or wish to explore myopia control, we’re here to help. Contact our team to book a consultation and learn more about MiSight.
