The Latest in Myopia Management for Kids: What Every Parent Needs to Know

August 29, 2023

If you’ve noticed your child squinting to see the board in school or complaining about blurry vision, it might be time to consider myopia management. Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a growing concern among children. But worry not! Recent advancements offer promising solutions.

What is Myopia?

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common refractive error that affects your child’s ability to see distant objects clearly. In simpler terms, while your child may be able to read a book or look at a tablet up close without any issues, seeing the board in a classroom or recognizing people from a distance could be challenging. This condition usually starts to manifest between the ages of 6 and 14, and it can progressively worsen as a child grows.

The New Approach: Orthokeratology vs. Soft Peripheral Defocus Contact Lenses

A recent study by Skidmore, K. V., Tomiyama, E. S., Rickert, M., Richdale, K., & Kollbaum, P. (2023) has shed light on two effective methods for managing myopia in children: Orthokeratology (OK) and Soft Peripheral Defocus Contact Lenses (PDCLs) (“Retrospective review of the effectiveness of orthokeratology versus soft peripheral defocus contact lenses for myopia management in an academic setting,” Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics).

Orthokeratology (OK)

Orthokeratology involves wearing specially designed contact lenses overnight. Popular brands include Bausch + Lomb’s Vision Shaping Treatment (VST) and Paragon CRT (Paragon Vision Sciences). These lenses temporarily reshape the cornea, allowing for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Soft Peripheral Defocus Contact Lenses (PDCLs)

One popular brand in this category is MiSight. These lenses are designed to slow down the progression of myopia by focusing light in front of the retina, which helps control myopia progression.

Which One is Right for Your Child?

Both Orthokeratology and Soft Peripheral Defocus Contact Lenses have shown promising results in real-world settings for managing myopia in children. The choice between the two methods will depend on various factors such as your child’s age, lifestyle, and comfort level with wearing contact lenses. A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to determine the most suitable option for your child.

Why Act Now?

Ignoring myopia can lead to worsening vision and potentially serious eye health issues later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and even blindness. Early intervention is crucial not only for your child’s eye health but also for their overall well-being and academic performance.