All About Eyes is happy to announce that we are now providing fittings and contacts for MiSight® 1 day contact lenses, the first and only Federal Drug Administration (FDA)-approved contacts to control myopia in children ages 8 to 12.
What is Myopia?
Also known as nearsightedness, with myopia, you see close objects clearly, but objects that are farther away appear blurry. Myopia is increasing amongst children, largely because of the amount of screen time on electronic devices they are consuming. A recent Canadian study found that during the COVID lockdowns in 2020, eight-year-olds spent over five hours a day on their devices for leisure (note, this doesn’t include online learning) with 83.5% consuming more than the recommended screen time limit of two hours a day. This statistic, according to the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) bears out worldwide.
Why Does Myopia Matter?
The American Optometric Association explains why the rise in myopia is concerning:
“While being nearsighted may not sound serious, if the condition is not managed properly, it can lead to major issues throughout [children’s] school years into adulthood. If left untreated over time, it can put the eyes at risk for a number of vision-threatening conditions including retinal detachment, early cataract development, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and even blindness. Although the specific myogenic spark has yet to be identified, there is significant evidence that the tendency to develop the condition can be caused by genetics, environmental factors or other health problems. Additionally, individuals who spend considerable time engaged in ‘near’ activities, like reading, working at a computer or using hand-held electronics, may be more likely to develop myopia.”
How Can Contact Lenses Help?
The MiSight® 1 day contact lenses brand has been clinically proven to slow myopia progression on average by 59% over a three-year period. This helps to preserve your child’s vision by keeping their eyes healthier and at less risk for the serious eye conditions mentioned above.
How Can I Get Them?
If you’d like to learn more, please call All About Eyes at (609) 653-9933 or email us at allabouteyes@comcast.net to schedule an appointment.