According to a recent article by the National Institute of Health and the National Eye Institute (https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news/myopia-close-look-efforts-turn-back-growing-problem), there is an epidemic of myopia (nearsightedness) in the United States. In the 2017 article they estimated that the percent of the US population with myopia increased from 25% in 1971 to 41.6%.

High myopia, a condition which can cause glaucoma, retinal detachment, early cataracts, vision loss, and blindness, is also on the rise.

There are newer treatments to attempt to slow or stop this epidemic. These treatments are employed in children and are referred to as Myopia Control.

Myopia control refers to methods and treatments aimed at slowing down the progression of nearsightedness (myopia) in children and young adults. Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing distant objects to appear blurry. Left unchecked, myopia can worsen over time, increasing the risk of eye diseases like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts later in life.

There are several approaches to myopia control, including:

1. Atropine eye drops – These drops can be used to relax the eye’s focusing system and slow myopia progression.
2. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) – Special contact lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea and reduce the need for corrective glasses or daytime contact lenses.
3. Multifocal contact lenses – These lenses provide different zones for focusing at various distances, which can help reduce the strain on the eyes that contributes to myopia progression.
4. Specialized glasses – Lenses designed to reduce the risk of myopia progression by altering the way light enters the eye.
5. Outdoor sunlight – Spending 90 minutes each day in outdoor sunlight.
6. Spending less time with near tasks – Taking frequent breaks during near-work activities.

An new and exciting myopia control treatment is-

MYSight Contact Lenses:

MYSight lenses are a specific type of myopia control contact lenses developed by CooperVision. These lenses use dual-focus technology to address both vision correction and myopia progression. The lens has a central zone that corrects nearsightedness and a surrounding treatment zone that creates peripheral defocus (blurring of peripheral vision), which helps reduce the signals that encourage the eye to elongate, thus slowing myopia progression.

These lenses are designed for daily wear and are often prescribed for children and young adults. Clinical studies have shown that MYSight lenses can effectively slow down myopia progression by up to 59% in some cases compared to standard single-vision lenses. The treatment is typically combined with regular check-ups from an eye care professional to monitor eye health and myopia progression.

Key Benefits of MYSight Lenses:

• Myopia progression control: The main advantage is their ability to slow the rate of myopia progression.
• Comfort: They offer the same comfort and ease of use as regular soft contact lenses.
• Convenience: MYSight lenses are worn daily, eliminating the need for overnight wear or complicated handling.
• Proven effectiveness: Research and clinical studies have shown promising results in reducing myopia progression compared to traditional contact lenses or glasses.

Myopia control with MYSight contact lenses is an innovative way to manage myopia in children and adolescents, while reducing the long-term risk of severe nearsightedness and related eye health complications.

For more info contact us at Davis Vision Center.