MISIGHT FOR KIDS: A PARENT’S GUIDE
If your child has myopia (short-sightedness), you’ve likely wondered about the best ways to manage their vision. One exciting option that has been shown to slow down myopia progression is MiSight contact lenses. In this guide, we’ll explain what MiSight is, how it works, and how it could benefit your child, all while keeping things simple and easy to understand for parents.
WHAT IS MYOPIA?
Myopia, also known as short-sightedness, is a common eye condition where the eye grows too long, causing distant objects to appear blurry. It’s called short-sightedness because kids can see close-up objects clearly, but struggle with things further away, like the blackboard at school or road signs. In Australia, myopia affects around 30% of children, and this number is on the rise. While myopia can’t always be fully prevented, there are ways to slow its progression and manage it effectively. That’s where MiSight comes in!
WHAT IS MISIGHT
MiSight is a specially designed soft contact lens that can help slow down the progression of myopia in children. Unlike regular contact lenses, MiSight lenses are designed with a unique technology that helps control the growth of the eye, reducing the risk of myopia worsening over time. Clinically, MiSight lenses have been proven to slow down myopia progression by up to 59%* compared to wearing standard single-vision lenses. This makes them a great option for parents looking to manage their child’s myopia in the long term.
HOW DOES MISIGHT WORK?
MiSight contact lenses use a special design that focuses light in a way that reduces eye growth. By wearing these lenses, your child’s eye will be less likely to become more myopic as they grow. It is a simple, daily-wear solution that has been shown to be both safe and effective. MiSight is ideal for kids who are aged 8 to 12 years old – the age range when myopia is most likely to progress rapidly.
The best part? These lenses are easy to use, and most kids find them just as comfortable as wearing regular contact lenses.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MISIGHT?
1
Slows down myopia progression: MiSight lenses are proven to slow the increase in myopia, helping to reduce the risk of future vision problems.
2
Improved vision: MiSight lenses correct your child’s myopia, helping them see clearly at all distances.
3
Convenient and comfortable: Unlike glasses, MiSight contact lenses do notnottn’t fog up or get in the way durina sports and other activities.
4
Easy to wear: MiSight lenses are worn just like regular daily contact lenses, and kids typically adapt quickly to them
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF MISIGHT IS RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD?
If your child is short-sighted and you are concerned about their vision worsening over time, MiSight might be a good option. Speak to your optometrist about whether MiSight is the right choice for your child. They will take into account your child’s age, the degree of their myopia, and their overall eye health.
OTHER WAYS TO HELP MANAGE MYOPIA
In addition to using MiSight, there are other things you can do to help manage myopia:
1
Encourage outdoor activities:
Research shows that spending more time outdoors can help reduce the risk of developing myopia. Aim for at least two hours of outdoor play each day.
3
Regular eye exam
Keep up with regular eye check-ups so your optometrist can monitor your child’s eye health and ensure their vision needs are met.
2
Limit screen time:
Encourage regular breaks from close- up activities like reading or screen time. Children aged 5 to 17 should keep sedentary activities, especially recreational screen time, to no more than two hours per day.
FINAL THOUGHTS
While myopia can be concerning, there are effective ways to manage it, and MiSight contact lenses offer an excellent solution for slowing its progression. By using MiSight, encouraging outdoor play, and maintaining regular eye exams, you can help your child maintain healthy vision for years to come. If you are considering MiSight for your child or want to learn more, reach out to our optometrists at Eyecare Kids. We can help guide you through your options and make sure you are choosing the best solution for your family.
Reference: Myopia Profile
CHAMBERLAIN P, PEIXOTO-DE-MATOS SC, LOGAN NS, NGO C, JONES D, YOUNG G. A 3-YEAR RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL OF MISIGHT LENSES FOR MYOPIA CONTROL. OPTOM VIS SCI. 2019 AUG;96(8):556-567. DOI: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000001410. PMID: 31343513.
