Can Contact Lenses Treat Myopia?

Myopia progression can be successfully decreased by up to 78 percent. This is achievable using myopia management. Myopia management is a myopia treatment program to slow the symptoms of myopia.

It helps in averting the risk of developing vision-threatening eye problems. The program can involve using eye drops, contact lenses, and eyeglasses. All these have been scientifically verified to slow the progression of myopia.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia is nearsightedness or shortsightedness. People suffering from the condition have difficulty seeing faraway objects. It develops at an early age and often worsens as your child grows.

This happens because the axial length or size of the eye increases. The progression can lead to more severe eye complications and disorders. These include glaucoma and retinal detachment.

Treatments Used in Myopia Management

Children with myopia should get into a myopia management program. It helps slow down the condition. Some of the treatments available include:
 

• Ortho-k.
   

• Eye drops.
   

• Multifocal contact lenses.
   

• MiSight®.

Using Atropine Eye Drops

One of the most effective ways of reducing myopia progression is by using eye drops. Atropine eye drops are similar to the eye drops used by eye doctors. Ophthalmologists and optometrists use it to dilate your eyes during an eye exam.

Administering ultra-low doses of atropine eye drops is effective in myopia management. It reduces the progression of myopia. It also has fewer side effects like sensitivity to light.

Additionally, they present a low risk of rebound prescription change. Higher atropine doses could lead to rebound prescription change. It is a great myopia management solution for children. This is because it is compatible with multifocal contact lenses or ortho-k.

MiSight Contact Lenses

Also known as MiSight 1-day lenses, these contacts are disposable soft contact lenses. They are FDA-approved contact lenses. Also, they are effective in slowing myopia progression. They are ideal for children between the ages of eight and 12 and are not meant for overnight use.

The single-use contact lenses also correct nearsightedness and slow down myopia progression. Your child can enjoy the activities they like while experiencing a clear vision. They will have freedom from restrictive eyeglasses.

Ortho-k Lenses

Ortho-k (Orthokeratology) is the overnight fitting of specialized gas permeable contact lenses. The lenses gently reshape your cornea while you sleep. When you remove them the following day, your vision will be clear and can stay that way for the rest of the day. Experts recommend ortho-k lenses because:
 

• They slow down childhood myopia progression.
   

• They correct refractive errors like astigmatism, myopia, and presbyopia.

Multifocal Contact Lenses

Multifocal contact lenses are quite helpful for children and young adults with myopia. They are effective in myopia management and support young learners’ school performance. They improve vision and comfort, especially for sports and outdoor play. Just like multifocal glasses, multifocal contact lenses have different vision zones. Each corrects distant, intermediate, and near vision.

In Conclusion

In every medical situation, it is wise to seek the expertise of a doctor. If you suspect you or your little one is myopic, go to an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye exam.

For more on contact lenses for myopia management, visit Ocean Park Optometry. Our office is in Santa Monica, California. You can also call (310) 452-1039 to book an appointment today.