When you or your child is struggling with myopia, finding a solution for clear vision is a top priority.
Specialty contact lenses for myopia work not by only correcting blurry vision, but also by changing how light focuses on the outer parts of the eye. This helps slow the progression of myopia in children.
This dual-action approach is a key part of modern myopia management and supports long-term eye health, a cornerstone of our practice philosophy.
What Is Myopia & Why Does It Cause Blurry Vision?
Myopia, often called nearsightedness, is a common eye condition that makes distant objects look blurry, while close objects remain clear. Myopia happens when the shape of the eye causes light rays to focus in front of the retina (a tissue at the back of your eye) rather than directly on it.
Myopia is most frequently caused by elongation of the eye. As the eye continues to grow and elongate during the childhood and teenage years, myopia often gets worse.
Myopia is often accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Difficulty seeing distant objects, like the board in a classroom
- The need to squint or partially close the eyelids to see clearly
- Headaches caused by eyestrain
- Blurred vision when looking at things far away
How Standard Contact Lenses Correct Your Sight
For many people, contact lenses are a great way to correct the refractive error caused by myopia. A standard contact lens works by bending light so that it falls correctly on the retina.
Think of a contact lens as a tool that fine-tunes the eye’s focus.
The Role of Myopia Control Lenses for Children
Beyond just correcting blurry vision, some contact lenses are designed to help slow the progression of myopia in children. This is an important option for families who want to manage their children’s eye health for the future.
A Different Way to Focus Light
Myopia control lenses work differently than standard contacts. The center of the lens corrects blurry distance vision, while the outer parts of the lens change how light focuses on the periphery of the retina. This peripheral focus reduces signals that tell the eye to grow longer—a key factor in worsening myopia.
There are several effective myopia control options available for children.
Slowing the Progression of Nearsightedness
The goal of these myopia control lenses is not to reverse myopia, but to slow down its progression. By managing how the eye develops as it grows, these lenses can help reduce the chances of a child developing high myopia later in life.
What to Expect with Myopia Control Lenses
If you and your eye doctor decide that myopia control lenses are a good fit for your child, it’s helpful to know what the fitting process looks like. Here’s what to expect.
How Long Do You Wear These Lenses?
Most myopia control contact lenses are daily disposables. This means your child puts in a fresh pair each morning and throws them away at night. This routine is simple and promotes good eye hygiene.
What Is the Ideal Age to Start?
Children can often start myopia control treatment when their nearsightedness first appears, typically between the ages of 8 and 12. A comprehensive children’s eye exam is the first step.
Are There Any Risks to Know?
Like all contact lenses, myopia control lenses have some risks, such as eye irritation or infection. However, these risks are low with proper contact lens care and hygiene. As part of the process, we’ll teach your child how to handle and care for their lenses safely.
Protect Your Child’s Future Vision
A professional can evaluate your or your child’s eyes to determine whether they might benefit from myopia control.
At Littlefield Eye Associates, we’re here to help your family see clearly. We can answer your questions about specialty contact lenses and other personalized treatments. Schedule your child’s eye exam with our team in Kansas City and take the first step toward preserving their vision.
