Myopia Management for Children with MiSight and NaturalVue
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a growing concern among children worldwide. This refractive error causes distant objects to appear blurry while close objects remain clear. As children grow, myopia can progress, leading to more severe vision problems in adulthood. Recognizing the symptoms early and exploring effective treatment options like MiSight and NaturalVue can help manage this condition.
Recognizing Myopia in Children
- Squinting: Children with myopia may squint frequently to see distant objects more clearly.
- Sitting Close to the TV or Computer Screen: If your child often sits closer to the television or computer screen, or holds digital devices very close to their eyes, it could be a sign of vision difficulties.
- Excessive Blinking or Eye Rubbing: Frequent blinking or rubbing of the eyes can indicate eye strain or fatigue, common in children with uncorrected vision problems.
- Headaches: Regular headaches, especially towards the end of the day, can be caused by overexertion of the eyes.
- Poor School Performance: Difficulty seeing the board or focusing during school activities can affect academic performance and may also be related to myopia.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to schedule an eye exam with Dr. Cordell so she can diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Understanding MiSight and NaturalVue Contact Lenses
MiSight and NaturalVue are specially designed soft contact lenses that have been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children. Unlike regular contact lenses that correct vision, these lenses are designed with unique optical properties to address the underlying factors contributing to myopia progression.
MiSight Contact Lenses
MiSight contact lenses are daily disposable lenses designed for children with myopia. They feature a dual-focus design that corrects vision while simultaneously reducing the stimulus that causes the eye to grow longer.
- Dual-Focus Design: MiSight lenses have two zones – one for correcting distance vision and another for providing peripheral defocus. The peripheral defocus helps slow the elongation of the eye, which is a key factor in myopia progression.
- Daily Disposable: Being daily disposable, MiSight lenses are convenient and hygienic, reducing the risk of eye infections that can occur with reusable lenses.
- Proven Effectiveness: Clinical studies have demonstrated that MiSight lenses can significantly slow the progression of myopia in children, making them an effective tool for myopia management.
NaturalVue Contact Lenses
NaturalVue contact lenses are another innovative option for managing myopia. They use an extended depth of focus (EDOF) design to address myopia progression.
- EDOF Design: NaturalVue lenses create a continuous range of focus, which helps reduce the stimulus for eye elongation. This design provides clear vision at various distances while managing myopia progression.
- Daily Disposable: Like MiSight, NaturalVue lenses are daily disposable, offering the same convenience and hygiene benefits.
- Comfort and Ease of Use: NaturalVue lenses are designed for comfort and ease of use, making them suitable for children and teenagers who may be new to wearing contact lenses.
What Parents and Kids Can Expect from Treatment
Initial Consultation
The process begins with a comprehensive eye exam where Dr. Cordell assesses the child’s vision and overall eye health. The suitability for MiSight or NaturalVue lenses will be determined based on the child’s specific needs and lifestyle. If you or your child have any questions, you should feel free to ask Dr. Cordell.
Fitting Process
If the child is a candidate for either type of lens, a fitting session will follow. This includes teaching the child how to safely insert, remove, and care for contact lenses.
Regular Follow-Ups
Ongoing appointments will be necessary to monitor the child’s vision and eye health, adjust prescriptions as needed, and ensure the lenses are comfortable and effective.
Parental Involvement
Parents play an important role in ensuring that their child follows the wearing schedule and maintains good lens hygiene. Educating your child about the importance of proper lens care and supporting them is essential.
How Children Benefit from MiSight and NaturalVue
Children who use MiSight or NaturalVue lenses benefit in several ways:
- Clear Vision: Immediate improvement in distance vision without the need for glasses during the day.
- Lifestyle Flexibility: Contact lenses offer freedom from glasses, making it easier for children to engage in sports and outdoor activities.
- Boost in Confidence: Improvements in vision can lead to better performance in school and extracurricular activities, boosting self-esteem and social interactions.
20/20 Vision Optometric Center in Westminster, CA is Here to Support You and Your Child
Managing childhood myopia is crucial not only for maintaining clear vision but also for preventing severe ocular complications later in life. Treatments like MiSight and NaturalVue offer innovative solutions that go beyond traditional vision correction, addressing the progression of myopia at its root. By recognizing the early signs of myopia and opting for these advanced corrective options, parents can play an active role in safeguarding their children’s visual health. For more input on the best course of action tailored to your child’s needs, call us at 714-775-4454 and schedule a consultation with us today.
