Managing myopia in kids and teens has come a long way, and daytime soft lenses are one of the latest options to help slow its progression while allowing for clear vision throughout the day. For parents looking to keep their child’s vision in check without the hassle of nighttime lenses, this solution might be just the right fit. Ready to see if daytime soft lenses are the answer? Schedule a consultation with Modern Vision Solutions today.
What are Daytime Soft Lenses (for myopia control)?
Daytime soft lenses for myopia control are contact lenses designed to both correct vision and slow down the progression of myopia in children and young adults. These lenses are worn during the day and use special optical designs—such as dual-focus, multifocal, extended depth of focus, and novel ring focus designs—to help manage eye growth. By focusing some light in front of the retina, they signal the eye to slow its elongation, which is linked to worsening myopia. Studies show that these contact lenses can reduce myopia progression by 30-60% compared to traditional glasses or contact lenses. Most are daily disposables, which minimizes infection risk, making them safe and convenient for children. They’re commonly prescribed for kids starting around age 8 to 12, although the specific age range may vary based on the specific product. At Modern Vision Solutions, we offer the latest in myopia control, including personalized consultations to help determine if daytime soft lenses are right for your child.
11 Benefits of Daytime Soft Lenses for Myopia Control
- Myopia progression reduction: Daytime soft lenses can slow the progression of myopia by 30-60% compared to traditional contact lenses or glasses, helping to manage nearsightedness more effectively.
- Clear vision: These lenses provide sharp, clear vision during the day, allowing children to see well without the need for glasses.
- Freedom from glasses: Children can participate in activities and sports without glasses, offering them greater freedom and an improved quality of life.
- Convenience: Most of these lenses are daily disposables, eliminating the need for cleaning routines and making them easy to use.
- UV protection: Some lenses offer UV-blocking technology to protect young eyes from harmful UV rays.
- Comfort: Made from materials designed for all-day wear, these lenses are comfortable for children to use throughout their day.
- Child-friendly design: Certain lenses are specifically designed to fit the smaller eye anatomy of children, making them easier and more comfortable to wear.
- Long-term eye health benefits: By slowing myopia progression, these lenses may lower the risk of serious eye conditions that can develop with high myopia in later years.
- Improved self-esteem: Many children experience a boost in confidence when they switch from glasses to contact lenses, feeling more confident in their appearance.
- Easy adaptation: Studies show that most children quickly learn how to insert and remove these lenses, with high preference rates over glasses.
- Customization: Some lenses allow for customization of parameters like power and fit, making them adaptable to each child’s specific vision needs.
An eye care professional at Modern Vision Solutions can help determine if daytime soft lenses for myopia control are the right fit for your child’s needs.
Can Daytime Soft Lenses be used for both children and young adults?
Daytime soft lenses for myopia control can be used for both children and young adults, but their effectiveness and benefits may vary by age. In children, especially those aged 8-12, these lenses are well-researched and proven to effectively slow myopia progression by 30-60%. The FDA has approved certain lenses specifically for children in this age range, as starting myopia control early is ideal to manage the rapid progression typically seen in younger children. For young adults, while research on myopia control with these lenses is limited—since myopia generally stabilizes by the late teens or early 20s—some may still experience progression. These lenses are safe for young adults to wear for vision correction, and they offer the convenience and lifestyle benefits of contact lenses over glasses. Regardless of age, regular follow-ups with an eye care professional at Modern Vision Solutions are essential to ensure proper usage, monitor eye health, and discuss the specific benefits and limitations of these lenses for each individual.
Are there any side effects of using daytime soft lenses for myopia control?
Daytime soft lenses for myopia control are generally safe, though mild side effects can occur. Some children may experience initial discomfort, dry eyes, or minor vision changes like reduced contrast sensitivity or peripheral vision. There is a small risk of eye infections or corneal abrasions, and occasional allergic reactions may happen, especially in children with allergies.
To minimize these risks, it’s essential to follow your Modern Vision Solutions eye care professional’s instructions, maintain strict hygiene, and attend regular follow-up appointments. Any discomfort or unusual symptoms should be addressed immediately by removing the lenses. When used as directed, the benefits of slowing myopia progression with these lenses often outweigh these potential risks for most children.
Ready to Take Control of Your Child’s Myopia?
Daytime soft lenses offer a proactive way to manage myopia in kids and teens, providing clear vision and freedom from glasses while slowing the progression of nearsightedness. If you’re considering this option or want to learn more about myopia control, schedule an appointment with Modern Vision Solutions today. Let’s find the right path for your child’s long-term eye health and vision needs.
FAQ’s About Daytime Soft Lenses For Myopia Control
How effective are daytime soft lenses compared to other myopia control methods?
Daytime soft lenses reduce myopia progression by 30-60%, offering an effective management solution for refractive errors like nearsightedness. These soft contact lenses target the eye’s refraction process, helping manage long-term changes in visual acuity and providing a reliable corrective lens option for children. Modern Vision Solutions can help determine the best approach for your child’s vision needs.
How often do daytime soft lenses need to be replaced?
Most daytime soft lenses for myopia control are daily disposable, meaning they’re replaced each day. This option is convenient and supports good visual acuity, as children use a fresh, soft contact lens each day. Modern Vision Solutions offers guidance on replacement schedules tailored to each child’s needs, ensuring effective myopia management.
Can my child swim while wearing daytime soft lenses?
While it’s technically possible to swim with these lenses, it’s generally discouraged as water can carry bacteria that increase the risk of eye infections. If swimming is part of your child’s routine, Modern Vision Solutions can recommend alternatives or provide tips on safely managing lenses around water activities.
How much do daytime soft lenses for myopia control cost?
The cost of these lenses can vary depending on the brand and prescription needs, with daily disposables often priced slightly higher for their convenience and hygiene benefits. Modern Vision Solutions can discuss the full range of costs, insurance options, and any special programs to help make myopia control affordable for families.
Will wearing daytime soft lenses make my child dependent on contacts?
No, wearing daytime soft lenses doesn’t create dependency. These lenses provide clear vision and help slow myopia progression but don’t alter the eye’s natural lens or cornea. At Modern Vision Solutions, we ensure families understand how these lenses work and address any concerns about long-term use.
Are daytime soft lenses uncomfortable to wear all day?
While some children may experience mild discomfort initially, most adapt quickly to wearing daytime soft lenses. Made from advanced, comfortable materials, these lenses are designed for all-day wear. Modern Vision Solutions provides tips for adjusting to contacts and ensuring optimal comfort throughout the day.
How soon can we expect to see results in myopia control?
While each child’s response may vary, studies show that daytime soft lenses begin to slow myopia progression within the first year. Regular follow-ups with Modern Vision Solutions will help monitor progress, allowing adjustments as needed to achieve the best results for long-term vision health.
Do daytime soft lenses for myopia control also correct astigmatism?
Some brands of daytime soft lenses are designed to address both myopia and astigmatism. During a consultation, Modern Vision Solutions can assess whether a particular lens will address both conditions for your child, optimizing vision correction along with myopia control.
What is the youngest age a child can start wearing daytime soft lenses?
Children as young as 8 years old can typically start using daytime soft lenses for myopia control, though readiness varies by child. Myopia management in early adolescence is effective in slowing progression as the human eye is still developing. Modern Vision Solutions can assess your child’s suitability based on factors like eye health, visual perception, and their ability to handle lens care independently.
Do daytime soft lenses require special cleaning?
Most lenses used for myopia control are daily disposables, eliminating the need for cleaning routines and supporting safe, consistent visual perception. These daily disposables minimize the risk of contamination and make myopia therapy easier for young patients. Modern Vision Solutions recommends this type of lens to optimize both safety and convenience.
How are daytime soft lenses different from progressive lenses?
Daytime soft lenses for myopia control and progressive lenses serve different purposes. Progressive lenses are designed for adults to address multiple focal points, often for age-related vision issues, while daytime soft lenses are corrective lenses used in optometry to manage refractive errors in children. At Modern Vision Solutions, we provide various vision therapy solutions to support healthy vision development from childhood through adolescence.
What are the alternatives to daytime soft lenses for myopia control?
Besides daytime soft lenses, other myopia control methods include orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily and low-dose atropine eye drops, which help slow eye growth. Each approach has unique benefits, and Modern Vision Solutions can discuss which option may best suit your child’s needs.
Sources:
https://www.clearvisionforyou.com/en-ca/myopia/abiliti-1-day
https://eyefreedom.com/misight-1-day-contact-lenses-myopia-treatment
https://reviewofmm.com/currently-available-myopia-control-soft-lenses-how-do-they-compare
Dr. Meagan Anderson is the lead optometrist at Modern Vision Solutions in Omaha, NE. She completed her Residency in Refractive Surgery and Primary Care and holds a Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Missouri – St. Louis College of Optometry St. Louis, MO. She is a member of the American Optometric Association, American Academy of Optometry, and the Nebraska Optometric Association. Dr. Anderson has had experience in multiple refractive surgery and optometry practices. She has served as a teaching assistant in Clinical Optometry I, II, & III courses. Our patients love her incredible empathy.
