Myopia is a common condition that causes blurry vision when looking at faraway objects. Unfortunately, around 40% of Americans have myopia, and more and more people worldwide are becoming myopic.
Suppose you are one of the many people who experience myopia, or you have a child with myopia. In that case, you may be looking for a solution outside of wearing corrective glasses. If this sounds like you, you should know that research has shown that myopia control contact lenses can be more advantageous than other types of myopia control. Not only do these contact lenses provide the regular benefits of contacts, but they also work to slow down the progression of myopia.
But how do myopia control contact lenses work? Keep reading to learn more about how myopia progresses, the types of myopia control contact lenses, and the many benefits they offer.
What is Myopia?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is the most frequent correctable eye condition.
Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back. This causes the images you see to focus on the front of the retina instead of focusing images on the retina like it is supposed to. When images are focused on the front of the retina, it causes people trouble seeing objects farther away.
Myopia in Children
Myopia often presents in childhood and tends to get worse with age.
When a child is myopic, signals are sent to the eyes to react to the error, causing the eyes to grow even longer to make up for the lack of focus. This unfortunate cycle can result in visual impairment and an increased risk of developing other eye conditions.
Common Symptoms of Myopia
Some of the common symptoms associated with myopia include:
- Blurry vision when looking at objects that are far away
- Needing to squint to see distant objects clearly
- Headaches and eye pain caused by eyestrain
- Difficulty seeing while driving, especially at night
Common Treatment Options
If you are suffering from any of the previously mentioned myopia symptoms, you should book an appointment and discuss your concerns with your optometrist. Your optometrist can help diagnose any vision issues you may be having and confirm whether or not you’re myopic.
If your optometrist does diagnose you with myopia, they may suggest any of the following treatment options:
- Specialty contact lenses
- Prescription eyewear
- Atropine eye drops
- Refractive surgery
Types of Myopia Control Contact Lenses
There are two main types of contact lenses designed to help treat, manage, and control myopia.
MiSight Contact Lenses
MiSight contact lenses are daily disposable contact lenses proven to slow the progression of myopia in children. MiSight contact lenses have 2 main functions:
- Correcting the refractive error to improve distant vision.
- Reduce the signals being sent to the eyes to make up for the lack of focus.
MiSight lenses have been shown to slow myopia progression by 59%. Studies have also shown that there was less change in prescription and axial length of the eyeball for people who wore MiSight contact lenses.
Orthokeratology Lenses
Orthokeratology, or Ortho K, lenses are another type of specialty contact option for people with myopia. Unlike MiSight contact lenses, these contacts are only worn overnight.
Ortho K lenses are rigid contact lenses that flatten the center of the cornea, changing how light enters the eye. This allows the lenses to::
- Restore clear vision
- Control myopia progression
Benefits of Myopia Control Contact Lenses
Although there are many treatment options available for Myopia, there are several reasons why myopia control contact lenses may be the better option for you. Some of the benefits of these specialty contact lenses include:
- They are disposable. They are replaceable and low maintenance.
- There are different options. Misight contact lenses are soft contact lenses, whereas Ortho-k lenses are rigid.
- They begin working with the first wear and offer clear vision immediately.
- They allow for a natural field of view without frames getting in the way.
Are Myopia Control Contact Lenses For You?
The best way to tell if you have Myopia is to discuss your concerns and symptoms with your optometrist during an eye exam.
Your optometrist will go over every possible treatment plan and determine if myopia control contact lenses are the best option for you.
If you have any additional questions about myopia, contact lenses, or other treatment options, please contact us at Eyes Now today!
