Cooper Vision MiSight→ 1-Day lenses have been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children and adults alike. Myopia is better known as nearsightedness – a condition characterized by the ability to see nearby objects clearly, but those that are at a distance appear blurred and out of focus. It is estimated to affect around 40% of the U.S. adult population, and an increasing number of children. This number is also anticipated to grow over the coming decade, thanks to a combination of more time spent indoors and the increased use of digital devices. We are delighted to be able to offer patients with myopia the choice of this treatment when they visit our eyecare center.

Why is it Important to Slow the Progression of Myopia?

To understand how myopia management works, it’s first necessary to understand what myopia is and what it means for your vision.

Myopia occurs because of an issue with the way that the front, clear domed surface covering the eye, called the cornea, refracts light that enters the eye. Refraction is the process of bending light that passes through the eye in order to produce a focused image on the retina. This is the light-sensitive area of cells at the back of the eye that converts the light into signals sent to the brain. Refraction shouldn’t be confused with reflection, which is where light bounces back off of a barrier. For clear vision, the light should be refracted directly onto the retina. However, in patients with myopia the curve of the cornea causes light to be refracted to fall in front of it. The resulting message sent from the retina to the brain is muddled, causing blurred vision.

Why some people develop myopia and others isn’t always known. Studies have shown that if you have immediate blood relatives with the condition, you too will be much more likely to develop it. This chance is even greater if both of your parents are nearsighted. Environmental factors have also been proven to be contributing factors, with a lack of time spent outdoors and excessive digital device use both increasing the likelihood of you becoming myopic.

Slowing the progression of myopia is a significant priority for eye doctors. This is because high levels of myopia have been linked to a range of potentially serious and sight-threatening eye conditions, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts and retinal detachment. The more severe your myopia is, the more likely you could be to develop one or more of these issues that could affect your long-term vision.

How do Cooper Vision MiSight→ 1-Day Lenses Work?

Cooper Vision MiSight→ 1-day lenses are the first soft contact lenses proven to slow the progression of myopia in both children and adults alike. These lenses use ActivControl Technology which alternates zones of vison correction and treatment zones in the form of concentric circles.

As their name suggests, these lenses are disposed at the end of each day, meaning there’s no need for inconvenient and fiddly cleaning. They are also easy to handle, with the majority of children able to place and remove them without adult help.

Are you a Candidate?

Myopia management is usually recommended for children whose eyes are still growing and developing and can begin as young as 8 years of age. This is because this is the time when it can have the greatest impact on their long-term vision. However, your eye doctor may recommend myopia management later in life too.

Studies have found that introducing MiSight→ 1 day at an early stage can considerably slow down prescription changes, keeping myopia at low levels as it progresses.

How to Get Started with Myopia Management?

If you would like to schedule a consultation about myopia management or MiSight→ 1-day lenses to see if you are a good candidate, please get in touch.