With the increasing number of children spending more time indoors and on screens, myopia, often referred to as short-sightedness or near-sightedness, has become a growing concern for parents and healthcare providers. As an optometry service dedicated to improving eye health, we want to provide parents with a clear understanding of what myopia is, why it’s increasingly common and how innovative solutions like night lenses can play a crucial role in managing this condition. This guide, featuring our advanced, precision-engineered lenses, aims to shed light on this technology and explain its efficacy in helping young eyes.
What is Myopia?
Myopia is a condition where the eye shape grows too long from front to back, causing light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. As a result, objects up close are clear, but those further away appear blurred. The prevalence of myopia is increasing, especially among children, who are often exposed to risk factors like prolonged screen time and limited outdoor activities. Left unmanaged, myopia can worsen, leading to a higher risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma and myopic maculopathy.
Why is Myopia on the Rise in Children?
The rise in myopia among children is attributed to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. If a child’s parents are myopic, they are more likely to develop myopia themselves. Additionally, children today are more engaged in near-work activities, such as using tablets, computers and mobile phones, which may contribute to the progression of myopia. Studies have also shown that children who spend less time outdoors in natural light are at a higher risk of developing myopia.
The Importance of Early Intervention
Addressing myopia early can make a significant difference in a child’s vision and eye health. By implementing myopia management strategies, we can slow its progression, helping to preserve a child’s eye health as they grow. Myopia management is especially important because the younger a child is when they develop myopia, the more likely it is to progress to higher, more harmful levels. Optometrists are now focusing on interventions that aim to reduce this progression, with night lenses emerging as a powerful and effective solution.
What are Night Lenses?
Night lenses, also known as orthokeratology or ortho-k lenses, are specially designed contact lenses that children wear overnight. While the child sleeps, the lenses gently reshape the cornea (the clear front part of the eye), temporarily correcting the eye’s focusing power so that the child can see clearly without the need for glasses or contacts during the day.
This temporary reshaping of the cornea is achieved with high-quality lenses designed to fit each eye’s unique shape. Our night lenses employ precision engineering, offering comfort and reliability. We supply lenses from brand partners that are renowned names in the optics field, known for crafting lenses that achieve high accuracy and great results, making them ideal for children’s delicate eyes.
How Do Night Lenses Work?
The process of reshaping the cornea with night lenses involves applying gentle pressure to the corneal surface, redistributing the eye’s shape to adjust how light refracts. When worn overnight, the lens creates a temporary change in the cornea, which typically lasts all day. This reshaping is subtle but effective, enabling the wearer to enjoy clear vision for a full day without needing further correction.
The mechanism behind night lenses also helps to slow down myopia progression. Research suggests that reshaping the cornea reduces the eye’s elongation rate, thus controlling myopia’s progression. With our advanced engineering, each lens is meticulously crafted to provide an optimised fit, tailored to ensure both effectiveness and comfort.
The Benefits of Night Lenses for Children
There are numerous advantages to choosing night lenses as a solution for managing childhood myopia:
- Clear Daytime Vision: Since night lenses work overnight, children can enjoy clear vision throughout the day without needing glasses or contact lenses. This is especially beneficial for active children who may find glasses cumbersome during sports or other activities.
- Myopia Control: Studies have shown that night lenses can slow the progression of myopia, potentially reducing the risk of serious eye conditions in adulthood. By addressing myopia early, night lenses help maintain long-term eye health.
- Freedom from Glasses: Many children feel more confident without glasses, and with night lenses, they can enjoy clearer vision without the hassle of managing eyewear during the day.
- Ease of Use: Unlike traditional day-wear contact lenses, night lenses are inserted before bed and removed upon waking. This routine can be easier for children to follow, particularly with support from parents.
- Quality Engineering: Our precision-engineered lenses are manufactured with high-quality materials and advanced engineering, ensuring an exceptional fit and comfort. This standard of quality makes a significant difference in the comfort and effectiveness of the lenses, giving parents peace of mind that their child is receiving optimal care.
Are Night Lenses Safe for Children?
Safety is, of course, a primary concern for parents. When fitted and managed by an experienced optometrist, night lenses are safe for children. During an initial consultation, the optometrist will assess the child’s eye health, ensuring they are a good candidate for night lenses. Regular follow-up appointments are essential, as they allow the optometrist to monitor the child’s response to the lenses and adjust the fit as needed. Our lenses, with their high-end materials and precision design, offer excellent comfort and biocompatibility, which are crucial factors in ensuring safety for young users.
What to Expect During the Fitting Process
The fitting process for night lenses is a comprehensive procedure that ensures the lenses are suited to the child’s eye shape and prescription. Here’s what parents can expect:
- Comprehensive Eye Examination: The optometrist will start with a thorough eye examination to assess the child’s prescription, eye shape and overall eye health.
- Customised Lens Design: Using advanced technology, the optometrist will design lenses that match the unique curvature of the child’s cornea. Our labs commitment to precision and quality means that each lens is crafted to the highest standards, ensuring the best possible outcome.
- Training for Use and Care: Once the lenses are ready, the optometrist will guide both the child and parents on how to insert, remove and care for the lenses. Proper care is essential to ensure hygiene and safety.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ups allow the optometrist to monitor progress, ensuring the lenses are providing the desired effect and that the child’s vision remains stable. Any adjustments needed will be made to enhance the child’s comfort and the lenses effectiveness.
Why Choose Night Lenses?
With decades of expertise in the optics industry, we have earned a reputation for excellence. Our high-end engineered lenses are created with the highest precision, combining state-of-the-art technology with rigorous quality control. This attention to detail means that parents can trust us to deliver the best care for their children’s eyes, helping them manage myopia effectively and comfortably.
Choosing our lenses also means investing in long-term eye health. With their superior design and myopia control benefits, these lenses offer an invaluable solution for managing a condition that can have lasting implications. As optometrists, we are proud to partner with specialist labs, knowing we’re providing children with one of the most reliable options available.
Final Thoughts
Myopia in children is a growing concern, but solutions like night lenses offer an effective way to manage and even slow its progression. By choosing precision-engineered night lenses, parents can be confident in providing their children with a high-quality, scientifically-backed solution. If you are concerned about your child’s eyesight, book an appointment today to discuss night lenses and other options for myopia management. With the right guidance and support, we can help your child maintain clear, healthy vision for years to come.