The Spectator

The global prevalence of myopia is rapidly increasing due to modern lifestyles. With an increase in near work activities and a reduction in exposure to the outdoors, more and more children are becoming myopic. In the year 2000 it was estimated that around 23 percent of the world’s population had myopia, this is predicted to increase to 50 percent by 2050.

Over the last couple of years, more products have become available to manage myopia, reducing its progression and minimising the risk of patients developing myopia related eye conditions later in life.

In 2018 a soft, daily disposable contact lens was released by Coopervision that is clinically proven to slow the progression of myopia in children by up to 60%.

The MiSight® 1 day contact lens uses ActivControl® technology to slow the increase of axial length and myopia progression while correcting your child’s vision. The multifocal design of the lens creates a myopia defocus, which tricks the body into believing the eyeball is already too big reducing the stimulation to grow further.

The soft contact lens is easy to adapt to and comfortable making it a suitable choice for children. Each child will be taught how to insert and remove their contact lenses by an Optometrist or Contact Lens Optician and will only be able to take lenses home once they are happy that the child can manage their contact lenses sufficiently on their own. A daily disposable lens is ideal for children as it means there is no worry about a cleaning regime for the lenses, they are worn once through the day, removed before going to sleep and thrown away.

With more products becoming available for myopia management, hopefully we are getting one step closer to slowing down the progression of myopia and reducing concerns for future eye health. For more information about myopia and myopia management contact your local Eye Place today.