Myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming more and more common. It’s a progressive condition that gradually worsens over time. However, there is good news—through myopia control, you can effectively reduce how much your child’s myopia worsens over time. So what are your options?
When it comes to myopia control lenses, your options are:
- Ortho-k lenses
- CRT lenses
- Hoya lenses
- Zeiss lenses
- Essilor lenses
Your optometrist will work with you to create a myopia management plan to help preserve your child’s vision.
Ortho-K Lenses for Myopia Control
Orthokeratology, or ortho-k lenses, are contact lenses worn only while sleeping. While your child sleeps, the lenses gently apply pressure to the cornea overnight. Once the lens is removed, the cornea holds its new shape for the remainder of the day, resulting in improved vision. This non-surgical approach is a low-risk option for children.
Ortho-k lenses are effective in slowing myopia progression by up to 50%. They’re a great way to preserve your child’s future vision. Because these lenses aren’t worn during the day, they’re a great option for active kids who prefer not to wear glasses.
Ortho-K is suitable for children as young as 8 years old, provided proper hygiene and care practices are followed.
CRT Lenses for Myopia Control
CRT lenses, or corneal refractive therapy lenses, also reshape the cornea overnight. Like ortho-k, they offer the convenience of clear daytime vision without glasses or regular lenses.
Although CRT lenses share similarities with ortho-k, their design and materials differ. CRT lenses:
- Are specifically designed to correct low to moderate levels of myopia.
- Are made from highly oxygen-permeable materials to ensure comfort and corneal health.
- Must be replaced periodically, as directed by your optometrist.
These differences may make one option more ideal than the other. It all depends on your child’s specific needs. One advantage of CRT lenses is their flexibility—these lenses can be worn safely and comfortably for longer.
Parents play an essential role in making sure a child uses these lenses properly. Proper cleaning and storage are key to preventing infections and other side effects. When used properly, CRT lenses can be an extremely effective way to address myopia.
Hoya Lenses for Myopia Control
Hoya lenses are specifically designed eyeglass lenses used for myopia control. Unlike standard glasses, these lenses incorporate advanced technology to reduce strain and slow myopia’s advancement.
One of the key benefits of Hoya lenses is the combination of comfort and effectiveness. They’re easy for children to wear and don’t require frequent adjustments. For families who prefer glasses over contact lenses for their children, these are a great alternative worth considering.
Hoya lenses work well as part of a broader myopia management plan. Paired with regular monitoring and guidance from an optometrist, they comfortably and conveniently protect your child’s future vision.
Zeiss Lenses for Myopia Control
Zeiss lenses are another innovative solution designed to manage myopia in children. These lenses employ cutting-edge technology to slow myopia’s progression. Meanwhile, they also provide clear vision throughout the day, making them a comfortable option for children.
Zeiss is taking a different approach by offering an “age-related myopia management lens solution”. This involves two distinct designs: one for children under the age of 10 (ZEISS MyoCare with a 7 mm diameter clear zone), and another for children 10 and older (ZEISS MyoCare S with a 9 mm diameter clear zone).
Zeiss eyeglass lenses are effective when combined with regular eye exams, proper care habits, and a healthy lifestyle. Your optometrist will work with you to determine the right plan for your child. These lenses can help manage myopia and protect your child’s eyesight in the long run.
Essilor Lenses for Myopia Control
Stellest lenses by Essilor are a great option for myopia control. These lenses use special technology that creates a dart board-shaped pattern in the glass. Each ring of the “dart board” uses a slightly different prescription to achieve several goals at once.
While some of the rings provide clear vision, some are designed to minimize the strain on your child’s eyes. Meanwhile, others angle light in a way that forces defocusing in the peripheral areas of the eye. These out-of-focus areas slow the eye’s growth, which prevents myopia from progressing too far.
Stellest lenses by Essilor are an excellent option for lower types of myopia. These lenses offer a convenient and comfortable option for parents who want to slow their child’s myopia progression.
What Is a Myopia Management Service?
A myopia management service brings all these options together. It starts with a thorough eye exam to evaluate your child’s eyes and create a personalized plan. This helps you and your child find a pair of lenses that make a difference.
A proper myopia management plan involves:
- Regular checkups to monitor your child’s myopia progression
- Adjusting treatment when needed to maintain results
- Providing advice on how to care for the lenses properly
- Offering support and answering any questions you may have
A comprehensive myopia management plan is the key to preserving your child’s vision.
Does Your Child Need Myopia Control?
If you’ve noticed your child is dealing with poor vision, come see our team at Oxford Optometry. Through myopia management, our team can help you and your family work towards clearer vision in the future. We’re here to help, so book an appointment with us today! It’s the first step toward taking control of your child’s myopia.
