How can I stop my child’s vision from getting worse each year?

Myopia typically gets worse in children because their eyes are still growing. Genetics is clearly one reason why children get more nearsighted, However, recent research shows that children who spend a lot of time indoors are five times more at risk of developing myopia than those who don’t. If children, as well as adults, spend many hours daily looking at cell phones or tablet devices close-up, the risk can increase significantly. Encouraging more outdoor activities and less screen time can certainly help to slow down the process.

Another way to slow down and prevent worsening of myopia involves the use of special contact lenses called orthokeratology contact lenses. Many studies show that it helps prevent progression of myopia in children. These contact lenses also correct vision at the same time, so the child or adult does not need glasses or contact lenses to see clearly throughout the day.  Over two million people worldwide put on these specialty contact lenses at bedtime, go to sleep wearing them, wake up to remove them and have clear vision throughout the day without glasses or contact lenses! While the patient is asleep, the lenses gently reshape the front surface of the eye, the cornea, so the person can see clearly after remove them. In 2002, Corneal refractive lenses (CRT) lenses became the first lenses approved by the FDA for use to correct and prevent myopia in patients six years of age and older. Made by Paragon Vision Sciences, these lenses have the longest track record and an excellent safety profile. Much like how you may have had to wear a dental retainer to maintain straight teeth after getting your braces off, these lenses also require nightly wear. Some patients maintain clear vision by using the lenses only several nights a week, while others require nightly wear. This is done on an individual basis and under the guidance of your eye care professional. 

When beginning to wear CRT lenses, one will likely have some awareness of the lenses on the eyes until falling asleep.That is why they are inserted just prior to going to bed. The sensation of the lenses is similar to the awareness felt initially with a dental retainer. As the cornea is reshaped by the lenses, the lenses typically become more comfortable. This usually occurs after two or three nights of use.

Children and young adults who want to be glasses-free but are too young for LASEK are excellent candidates for CRT lenses.  People who participate in contact sports, work in dusty environments, have severe dry eyes or elect not to undergo eye surgery also benefit from CRT lenses. The lenses are designed using computer scanning technology and controlled lathes to create one’s custom lenses. Keep in mind that, as with all contact lenses, there are some possible side effects and complications of wearing CRT lenses. These would include scratching the eye or getting an infection. These complications are extremely rare and significantly lower than routine soft contact lens daytime wear use. Ask your eye care practitioner for details.

In the United States, certified licensed opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists can perform fittings for CRT lenses. These professionals must complete an extensive training program and pass a certification test before being allowed to use these precise medical devices. Not everyone who routinely fits contact lenses, also fits CRT lenses.  Fitting CRT lenses is a more time-consuming process and requires more expertise and training than fitting regular contact lenses, as well as several periodic office visits. It is important to realize that the contact lenses usually need to be purchased only once. The same lenses can be used for a long time if taken care of properly,  up to twenty years in some cases. If CRT lenses interest you or your child, ask for a screening with your eye care professional to see if you are a candidate.