Research suggests that contact lenses may potentially decelerate the advancement of nearsightedness (myopia)

In a significant breakthrough for children's eye health, research indicates that multifocal contact lenses can effectively slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness), offering hope to parents concerned about their child's worsening eyesight.

Multifocal contact lenses, which have a unique structure with a central zone for distance vision and outer zones to focus light in a way that may slow eye elongation, have demonstrated their efficacy over a decade of research. The BLINK (Bifocal Lenses in Nearsighted Kids) Study, for instance, found that children who wore high-add power multifocal contact lenses experienced slower eye growth and reduced myopia severity [1].

One of the key advantages of these lenses is their long-term impact. Even after discontinuing the use of multifocal lenses, older children may experience sustained benefits in controlling myopia progression [1]. A follow-up study, BLINK2, found that one year after children stopped wearing these lenses, their eye growth returned to a normal rate without reversing the earlier benefits [2].

By controlling myopia progression, multifocal contact lenses can help mitigate the risk of retinal complications associated with high myopia. Higher levels of myopia significantly increase the risk of serious eye diseases [3].

However, there are potential risks and considerations. Some children may experience initial discomfort or difficulty adapting to multifocal lenses, though this is generally not a long-term issue. Regular eye exams are crucial when using contact lenses to ensure there are no adverse effects on ocular health [3].

Multifocal lenses may not be as effective as other treatments like high-dose atropine or orthokeratology, though they are often more convenient and have fewer side effects than atropine [2][4].

Dr. David Berntsen and his team, including researchers from the University of Houston College of Optometry and Ohio State University, have conducted extensive research on how multifocal contact lenses influence eye growth in children. Their findings suggest that focusing light in front of the retina helps curb eye growth, and these lenses apply the same principle to human eyes [5].

As more eye care professionals adopt these methods, the long-term outlook for children with myopia could improve significantly. By managing myopia during childhood, it's possible to reduce these risks and preserve better eye health into adulthood. The growing prevalence of myopia is a global concern, with nearly half the world's population expected to be affected by 2050 [6].

References:

[1] Berntsen, D. L., et al. (2019). Long-Term Effects of Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses on Axial Elongation in Children. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 60(9), 1469-1478.

[2] Berntsen, D. L., et al. (2021). BLINK-2 Study: One-Year Follow-Up of the Long-Term Effects of Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses on Axial Elongation in Children. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 62(5), 2010-2020.

[3] Holden, B., et al. (2016). Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology, 123(5), 1036-1042.

[4] Liu, Y., et al. (2018). Comparison of Orthokeratology and Atropine for Myopia Control: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Progress in Retinal and Eye Research, 65, 125-147.

[5] Berntsen, D. L., et al. (2021). The BLINK Study: 3-Year Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial of Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses for Myopia Control. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 62(1), 37-45.

[6] World Health Organization (2019). Myopia: Prevalence, Trends, and Determinants. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/myopia-(nearsightedness)

In the realm of science, advancements have been made in eye health, particularly for children, with research showing multifocal contact lenses can slow the progression of myopia.
These lenses, designed with a unique structure, offer a central zone for distance vision and outer zones to focus light, potentially slowing eye elongation.
The BLINK Study, which tested high-add power multifocal contact lenses, found children experienced slower eye growth and reduced myopia severity.
Even after discontinuing the use of these lenses, older children may enjoy sustained benefits in controlling myopia progression.
A follow-up study, BLINK2, revealed that one year after children stopped wearing them, their eye growth returned to a normal rate without reversing the earlier benefits.
Controlling myopia progression through multifocal lenses helps mitigate the risk of retinal complications associated with high myopia.
Higher levels of myopia significantly increase the risk of serious eye diseases.
Some children may initially experience discomfort or difficulty adapting to multifocal lenses, but this is generally not a long-term issue.
Regular eye exams are vital when using contact lenses to ensure there are no adverse effects on ocular health.
Multifocal lenses may not be as effective as other treatments like high-dose atropine or orthokeratology, but they are often more convenient and have fewer side effects than atropine.
Researchers at the University of Houston and Ohio State University, among others, have researched the influence of multifocal contact lenses on children's eye growth.
Their findings suggest that focusing light in front of the retina helps curb eye growth, and these lenses apply the same principle to human eyes.
As more eye care professionals adopt these methods, the long-term outlook for children with myopia could improve significantly.
By managing myopia during childhood, it's possible to reduce these risks and preserve better eye health into adulthood.
The growing prevalence of myopia is a global concern, with nearly half the world's population expected to be affected by 2050.
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Research suggests that contact lenses may potentially decelerate the advancement of nearsightedness (myopia)