Multifocals

Do Multifocal Contacts Slow Down Myopia Progression

Slowing down the progression of myopia in children is one of the most important topics in eye care today. Our optometrist is dedicated to educating his patients in the greater Tampa area about both the dangers of Myopia and the treatment options available. Due to the rapid increase in cases of myopia which researches are estimating to be as high as 60 million children under the age of 17 by 2050, there has been a major push in research on new treatment methods. One of the most exciting new areas of research is with multifocal contacts. In a recent study done with 144 children between the ages of 8-12 years old over the course of 2 years, myopia progression was reduced by almost 30% per year. Many eye doctors who are involved in the field of myopia reduction are optimistic about the combination of multifocal’s with low dose atropine as a highly effective methodology in reducing myopia in children.

Are Contact Lenses For Children?

One of the most common questions our eye doctor receives is, 'Are contact lenses for children?'

Pediatric optometrists Dr. Bonilla Warford and Dr. Elizabeth Knighton answer a resounding YES, they are a perfect fit for children for the following reasons:

• Studies showed kids as young as 8 overwhelmingly preferred contacts over glasses.
• Children wearing contacts reported a major boost in self esteem and social acceptance.
• Contacts are safe in children, it is less about safety and more about their maturity in caring for the contacts.
• In a large study a large majority of children as young as 8 said that contacts are easy to use by themselves and easy to care for.
• Contact lenses prevent eye injuries that occur from sports when wearing eye glasses.
• Since contacts are directly on the eye they provide better vision during sports and a wider range of viewing than glasses.
• Most contacts used for myopia control come with UV protection which protects your child’s eyes from long term damage.
• Because the progression of myopia is reduced, the rate of changing prescription is also reduced.