Please take 3 minutes to view the below story regarding MiSight contact lenses. https://coopervision.showpad.com/share/XQemC1V93fq9xmj5G1fqG
There is a myopia epidemic. 22% of the world was nearsighted (myopic) in 2000. In 2050 52% will be myopic. To combat this epidemic, research has come up with ways to slow the progression of myopia. With this in mind, I started fitting CRT contact lenses (orthokeratology) , MiSight bifocal contact lenses, and prescribe 0.05% atropine drops.
All of these methods provide peripheral defocus to the retina which gives a message to the brain to slow axial growth of the eye. CRT lenses slow myopia progression by about 50% while MiSight contact lenses slow myopia progression by about 59%. CRT contact lenses are worn overnight while sleeping but not during the day. They work well with milder prescriptions.
MiSight contact lenses are worn during the day for at least 10 hours per day six days per week. MiSight contact lenses are the only FDA approved contact lenses for myopic prevention. Atropine partially paralyzes the eye’s focusing muscles.
To help monitor myopic progression, I purchased an A-Scan ultrasound biometer which measures the axial length of the eye. So, in addition to the spectacle prescription, I will have a second number to see if treatment is working. Eyes that are longer tend to be more nearsighted than eyes that are shorter. Around age 18-21 most eyes stop growing so these two contact lenses are ideal for those between age 8-21.
Asians have the highest prevalence of myopia. Smart phone and computer use has also been associated with increased myopia. For young children, studies have shown if the child is outdoors at least 2 hours per day, there is less likelihood of myopia occurring. Once myopia is present, being outdoors has less of an effect on eye growth. The risk of high myopia can lead to vision threatening conditions such as chorioretinal atrophy, glaucoma, myopic maculopathy, and cataracts. Every diopter decrease, decreases the chance of developing serious eye disease.For more information, please call our office to make an appointment for your child.
Thank you for your continued support.
