Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common vision condition where people have difficulty seeing objects in the distance. It affects over 40% of the US population, and the number is rising, especially among younger generations.

Myopia typically starts in childhood, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious eye problems later in life, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment.

There are several ways to treat myopia, such as glasses, contact lenses, and surgery. However, a new approach to managing myopia in kids has emerged in recent years – multifocal contact lenses.

What are Multifocal Contact Lenses?

Multifocal contact lenses are a type of soft contact lenses that have different prescriptions in different zones of the lens.

Unlike traditional contact lenses that have a single prescription across the entire lens, multifocal contact lenses allow wearers to see clearly at different distances, such as near, intermediate, and far. They work in a similar way to multifocal eyeglasses, but with the added benefit of not having to wear glasses all the time.

There are two main types of multifocal contact lenses: center-distance and center-near. Center-distance multifocal lenses have the distance prescription in the center of the lens and the near prescription in the outer zone.

Center-near lenses have the opposite configuration, with the near prescription in the center and the distance prescription in the outer zone.

How Do Multifocal Contact Lenses Control Myopia?

Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too steep, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it. This makes distant objects appear blurry.

Traditional contact lenses and glasses correct myopia by having a prescription that compensates for the refractive error and moves the focus point back onto the retina.

However, studies have shown that traditional myopia correction methods may not prevent or slow down the progression of myopia. In fact, some studies suggest that wearing glasses can make myopia worse over time, especially in children.

This is where multifocal contact lenses come in.

Recent research has shown that wearing multifocal contact lenses can slow down the progression of myopia in children.

The exact mechanism of how they work is not fully understood, but it is believed that multifocal lenses reduce the strain on the eyes by allowing the eyes to focus at different distances, thus reducing the stimulus for myopia progression.

What are the Benefits of Using Multifocal Contact Lenses?

There are several benefits to using multifocal contact lenses for myopia control:.

1. Slows down myopia progression: As mentioned earlier, studies have shown that wearing multifocal contact lenses can slow down the progression of myopia in children.

2. Better visual acuity: Multifocal lenses can provide better visual acuity and depth perception than traditional contact lenses or glasses.

This can be especially beneficial for children who need clear vision for school and sports activities.

3. Improved quality of life: Kids who wear glasses may feel self-conscious or restricted in activities such as swimming or playing contact sports. Multifocal contact lenses can provide them with a more natural and active lifestyle.

4. Convenient: Multifocal contact lenses are convenient for kids who may not want to wear glasses all the time or may forget to wear them.

Are Multifocal Contact Lenses Safe for Kids?

Multifocal contact lenses are generally safe for kids to wear. However, like all contact lenses, they require proper care and handling to avoid eye infections and other complications.

It is important to follow the instructions of your eye doctor and the manufacturer when using multifocal contact lenses.

In addition, not all kids may be good candidates for multifocal contact lenses. Your eye doctor will evaluate your child’s eye health, visual acuity, and lifestyle to determine if multifocal lenses are the right choice for them.

Conclusion

Multifocal contact lenses are a new and effective way to manage myopia in kids.

They provide several benefits over traditional myopia correction methods, such as slowing down the progression of myopia, providing better visual acuity, and improving quality of life. If you are concerned about your child’s myopia, talk to your eye doctor to see if multifocal contact lenses are right for them.