Childhood myopia is becoming more common than ever. While glasses and regular contact lenses can correct blurry vision, they don’t stop myopia from getting worse as children grow. Through innovative treatments like specialty contact lenses, eye doctors can actually help slow down the progression of nearsightedness - protecting not just your child’s vision today, but also their long-term eye health.

What Is Myopia Management and Why Is It Important?

Myopia management is a specialized approach to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. Left unmanaged, myopia can continue to worsen each year, leading to higher prescriptions and an increased risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including:

• Retinal detachment

• Glaucoma

• Cataracts

• Myopic macular degeneration

By starting treatment early, parents can help protect their child’s long-term eye health and reduce the risks associated with high myopia.

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses for myopia management go beyond standard vision correction. These lenses are designed with advanced technology that helps slow down the elongation of the eye. Two of the most common options are Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) and MiSight® 1 day contact lenses.

Exploring How Ortho-K Works

Orthokeratology, often called Ortho-K, involves specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses that are worn overnight. While your child sleeps, the lenses gently reshape the cornea, so they can see clearly during the day without wearing glasses or contacts.

Beyond clear vision, studies have shown that Ortho-K can help slow the progression of myopia by reducing how quickly the eye elongates. This makes it an excellent option for children whose prescriptions increase rapidly each year.

MiSight® 1 Day Contact Lenses

MiSight® 1 day lenses are soft, daily disposable contacts specifically approved by the FDA to slow myopia progression in children. These lenses feature a special design with treatment zones that help control how light focuses on the retina, signaling the eye to slow its growth. With the convenience of daily disposables, MiSight® lenses are easy for kids to manage and provide both vision correction and myopia control.

Which Option Is Right for Your Child?

Every child’s eyes are unique, and the best treatment depends on their prescription, lifestyle, and eye health. A comprehensive pediatric eye exam is the first step. During this exam, your optometrist will evaluate your child’s vision and eye growth patterns to determine whether Ortho-K, MiSight®, or another treatment plan is best suited for them. Regular follow-up visits are also an important part of myopia management, ensuring the treatment remains effective as your child grows.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam at Alpha Eye Group Today

Specialty contact lenses such as Ortho-K and MiSight® 1 day contacts provide powerful tools to not only correct your child’s vision but also help slow the progression of myopia. With proper care and early intervention, you can help protect your child’s long-term eye health.

If your child is struggling with nearsightedness, schedule a pediatric eye exam with Alpha Eye Group to explore whether myopia management with specialty contact lenses is the right choice for your child. Visit our offices in Philadelphia, Wyomissing, Bethlehem Twp, Doylestown, Plymouth Meeting, or King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Call (215) 698-7760, (610) 376-7272, (610) 866-1000, (215) 878-7181, (215) 230-4060, (610) 941-9780, or (610) 265-3100 to book an appointment today.