Myopia Management

Are you nearsighted? Is your child nearsighted? Kids that are nearsighted (or have myopia) see clearly up close, but things in the distance appear blurry. Most end up with some type vision correction to correct that fuzzy distance vision.

Glass or Contact Lenses Correct Nearsighted Vision in Children.

If your child is nearsighted, he or she is most likely using one of these vision correction options:

• Single vision glasses
• Single vision daily or monthly disposable soft contact lenses
• Overnight wear contact lenses

My child’s vision is corrected. Is that enough?

Many parents opt for single vision contact lenses and glasses that eliminate blurred distance vision and correct the refractive error. However, in recent years, we’ve learned that single vision glasses do not slow down the progression of nearsighted vision or myopia. ¹ In single vision contact lenses studies involving children there was no change in the rate of progression of myopia compared to other methods. ²

In other words, single vision glasses and single vision contact lenses correct the nearsighted vision but have not been shown to slow down the progression. If you had a choice and wanted to make a difference today in your child’s vision would you opt for a treatment option that corrects the vision or one that corrects the vision and may slow down the progression of nearsighted vision?

Discuss your options with your eye doctor.

Treatment Options That Slow the Progression of Nearsighted Vision  

There are ways to improve your child’s vision that also may reduce the progression of nearsightedness and reduce the long-term health risks associated with high myopia. These options include certain types of daily wear contact lenses, overnight contact lenses and prescription eye drops.

Ask your eye care professional which ones may be recommended for your child.