What are MiSight Contact Lenses?
MiSight contact lenses are contact lenses for children which correct short-sightedness so they can enjoy spectacle-free vision. These contact lenses have a special optical design which may help to slow down the progression of short-sightedness in children.
Why is my child short-sighted?
Short-sightedness, or myopia, is commonly caused by the eye growing too long. The eye may grow long for a number of reasons but children are more likely to become myopic as a result of:
- Family history - children with myopic parents are more likely to inherit the condition and are 50% likely to develop myopia if both parents are myopic.
- Too much time indoors - Sunshine stimulates production of both Vitamin D and dopamine which are essential for healthy eye development.
- Too much close work - Spending lots of time on phones, tablets, computers and games consoles, as well as watching tv and reading increase the chance of developing myopia.
How does myopia progress?
As children grow, their myopia can worsen and they may need a stronger prescription at each eye examination. As myopia worsens, the spectacle lenses become thicker and heavier. Children will also become more reliant on their spectacles if their prescription is stronger. As well as these inconveniences, myopia can introduce increased risks of future eye health problems such as retinal detachment and myopic macular degeneration.
How do MiSight contact lenses work?
MiSight daily disposable contact lenses are made with a special dual focus optical design using peripheral rings to focus some incoming light in front of the retina. This design aims to reduce axial elongation of the eye and refractive error and therefore slow future progression of myopia.
In a study, MiSight daily disposable contact lenses slowed refractive error by 59% and axial length by 52% on average over a three year period. Further, it has been found that even by saving the level of myopia by just one dioptre can reduce the risk of myopic maculopathy by 40%, meaning MiSight contact lenses could be viewed as preventative tool against eye health issues later in life.
Below is an illustration of how MiSight contact lenses can impact the progression of myopia.
If you would like further information on MiSight contact lenses, please contact us to book a MiSight consultation with one of our accredited optometrists.
