Myopia Control With MiSight Lenses
Slowing Progression of Myopia in Children with MiSight® Lenses
Understanding the Condition
Myopia occurs when the distance from the front to the back of the eye exceeds the normal range. A steeper than usual curve in the cornea, the clear dome at the front of the eye, can also create it. The effect on vision of the physical attributes makes faraway objects look blurry. Access to treatment at the earliest opportunity may help prevent the onset of cataracts, glaucoma, or detached retinas later in life.
Advances in technology at CooperVision complement the efforts that doctors make to slow the progression of the condition. Not a disease but a vision problem, myopia has no known cure that can reverse it. However, research suggests that children who spend more time on near-focused activities such as video games, reading, and computer work than outdoors have a higher rate of myopia.
MiSight myopia control lenses by CooperVision are shown to slow down progression in children and adolescents by 52-59%. This means if your child was going to develop into a -8.00D myope, their child will now only develop into a -3.50D myope.
Noticing Some Signs of Nearsightedness
Children’s busy schedules can obscure the symptoms that can signal vision problems and indicate a need for myopia control. Difficulty in seeing the blackboard in school while having no problem reading or writing may present reliable evidence. In addition, the Myopia Institute notes these symptoms as well:
- excessive blinking
- squinting
- eyestrain headaches
- partially closing eyelids to see clearly
Slowing the Progression
A commitment by CooperVision to help people see better produces the scientific and technological innovation that offers productive relationships with eye care professionals. For example, groundbreaking advances in the development of contact lenses for children slow myopia progression when they start treatment at ages 8 to 12.
Scientific studies show that certain types of contact lenses can control the progression of the condition. At Beyond 2020 Vision Specialists in Odessa Fl, optometrist Dr. Christopher Tumolo offers myopia control with CooperVision lenses for children. With his recommendations for the best choices that match prescription requirements and lifestyle, he can monitor changes in vision over time. Technological advances offer a path to minimizing myopic creep as a positive alternative to a persistent vision problem.
Choosing an Old-fashioned Approach to Caregiving
In a throwback to an earlier time, Dr. Tumolo’s approach to his patients recalls the bygone days when doctors made house calls. His preference for showing personal concern with compassion and understanding about each patient’s issues makes his practice unique. While those days no longer exist and access to technology makes treatment more scientific, he retains the personal touch in fulfilling a lifelong dream when he started Beyond 2020 Vision Specialists. Located on Highway 54 in Odessa Fl, near the Suncoast Expressway, his office provides convenient access to residents of Cheval and Trinity as well.
The opportunity to intersperse close-focus work on electronic devices with outdoor activities may let children incorporate some activities that the doctor practices himself. For example, he enjoys walking with Bruna, his Jack Russell terrier, and he finds time for fitness with MMA and kickboxing.
Treating Nearsightedness in Children
The breakthrough technology at CooperVision produced the MiSight®1 day contact lenses, and they achieved some significant accomplishments. When the lenses received Food and Drug Administration approval, they became the first and only soft contact lenses with the lauded designation. The approval applies to children aged 8 to 12 years at the initiation of treatment. The multifocal lenses provide different areas of focus that allow clearer distance vision.
Fortunately, age-appropriate children may benefit from myopia control with the MiSight®1 day contact lenses. The chance to have a clear vision and freedom from glasses may help children enjoy the activities they like the most. In addition, treating them during the development years when the eyes go through changes may help prevent increasingly complex prescriptions and potential diseases later in life.
Alternative treatments for myopia in children may deserve consideration as well. The extent of the condition varies for each child, and optometrist Dr. Christopher Tumolo can advise parents on the best approach to slowing progression.
Managing a Child’s Myopia
Receiving Approval from Parents and Children
Ninety percent of parents of children who wore MiSight® 1 day contact lenses reported the approval that their children provided. Children confirmed the results, with 90 percent of them preferring the lenses over glasses after three years of wearing them.
Considering the Options
An opportunity to slow the progression of a condition that proceeds throughout a child’s developmental years can provide lifetime benefits and help prevent the consequences of inaction. Contact our office for an appointment when you detect signs that your child may need treatment for nearsightedness. A checkup at Beyond 2020 Vision Specialists in Odessa FL provides the treatment for myopia control that may help preserve your child’s precious sight.
