How Do Specialized Lenses Help Slow Down Myopia Progression?

Myopia is a growing concern among children and young adults. With more time spent on digital devices and less time outdoors, myopia is becoming increasingly common at a younger age. At Van Alstyne Eye Care, we offer advanced solutions to slow the progression of myopia using specialized lenses that go beyond standard vision correction. Two of the most effective options available today are MiSight 1 day contact lenses and orthokeratology, commonly known as Ortho-K.
 

What Is Myopia Management and Why Is It Essential?

Myopia management refers to a proactive approach to controlling how quickly myopia worsens, especially in children. Instead of just treating the blurry distance vision with regular glasses or contacts, myopia management works to slow down the elongation of the eye - the root cause of myopia progression. By addressing this at an early stage, we can protect long-term vision health and reduce the risk of eye disease later in life.
 

MiSight 1 Day Soft Contact Lenses

MiSight 1 day contact lenses are FDA-approved daily disposable lenses specifically designed for myopia control in children. These lenses use a dual-focus design that simultaneously corrects vision and provides a treatment zone that helps slow the growth of the eye.
 

Here's how they work: while the central part of the lens corrects your child's vision so they can see clearly, the peripheral zones create a special defocus signal that tells the eye to slow down its growth. This is important because it is the excessive growth of the eye that leads to increasing myopia. Worn during the day and discarded at night, these lenses offer a safe, comfortable, and convenient way to manage myopia progression without disrupting your child's daily routine.
 

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Ortho-K lenses are specially designed rigid lenses that are worn overnight. While your child sleeps, the lenses gently reshape the front surface of the eye so that clear vision can be maintained throughout the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
 

In addition to providing daytime freedom from vision correction, Ortho-K has been clinically proven to slow the progression of myopia in children. The reshaping effect alters how light focuses on the peripheral retina, which helps to send a stop-growth signal to the eye. This approach is particularly appealing to children involved in sports or activities where wearing glasses or contacts during the day may be inconvenient.
 

Schedule a Pediatric Eye Exam Today 

Specialized lenses like MiSight 1 day and Ortho-K offer a proven way to protect your child's eye health by slowing the progression of myopia. We are proud to provide personalized myopia management plans that are tailored to each child’s lifestyle and needs.
 

If you are concerned about your child’s nearsightedness, schedule an eye exam with Van Alstyne Eye Care to explore myopia management options. Visit our office in Van Alstyne, Texas, or call (903) 482-0090 to book an appointment today.