In recent years, the discussion around myopia control contact lenses for children has sparked curiosity and concern among parents and healthcare professionals alike. Let’s delve deeper into what experts have to say about the safety, effectiveness, and long-term benefits of using myopia control contact lenses to manage childhood myopia.
Understanding Childhood Myopia Trends in Singapore
Dr Ng Wei Yan, a Consultant from the Paediatric Ophthalmology & Adult Strabismus Department at the Singapore National Eye Centre, provides insights into the evolving landscape of childhood myopia. “We’ve observed a significant rise in myopia cases among younger children, particularly due to prolonged periods of near work such as studying and screen time,” explains Dr Ng.
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He emphasises that factors like limited outdoor activities and reduced exposure to natural light further contribute to the prevalence of myopia among Singaporean children.
Impact of Digital Devices on Eye Health
Both Dr Ng and Shila Gupta, Myopia Management General Manager at CooperVision Asia-Pacific, highlight the impact of digital devices on children’s eye health. “The widespread use of hand-held devices like smartphones and tablets has fundamentally changed how children engage with near work,” notes Shila Gupta. “This shift towards digital screens has led to increased near work activities and decreased time spent outdoors, exacerbating the progression of myopia.”
Benefits of Myopia Control Lenses
Dr Ng elaborates on the innovative technologies used in myopia control contact lenses. “These lenses are designed with specific zones that create a defocused light pattern on the peripheral retina,” he explains. This dual-focus approach helps to slow down the elongation of the eyeball, a key factor in myopia progression. Shila Gupta adds, “Clinical studies have demonstrated that these lenses can reduce myopia progression by approximately 50%, making it an effective option for managing myopia in children.”
Safety and Suitability for Young Wearers
Addressing concerns about the safety of contact lenses for children, Shila Gupta emphasises the suitability of myopia contact lenses for young wearers. “These lenses are rigorously tested and specifically designed for children as young as 8 years old,” he reassures. “They are easy to handle and maintain, with minimal risks associated with their daily use.”
Addressing Common Parental Concerns
Dr Ng acknowledges common parental concerns regarding contact lens wear in children. “Parents often worry about their child’s ability to handle and care for contact lenses,” he acknowledges. “However, with proper guidance and support from eye care professionals, children can quickly learn to manage myopia contact lenses.”
Long-Term Benefits of Myopia Management
Managing myopia early with contact lenses not only improves vision but also aims to reduce the long-term risks associated with high myopia. “High degrees of myopia increase the risk of serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment and glaucoma,” explains Dr Ng. “By slowing down myopia progression in childhood, we aim to preserve good vision and overall eye health into adulthood.”
Making Informed Choices for Children’s Eye Health
By dispelling myths and providing evidence-based insights, experts like Dr Ng Wei Yan and Shila Gupta advocate for informed decision-making when it comes to managing childhood myopia with myopia control contact lenses. These lenses offer a proactive approach to myopia management, combining vision correction with strategies to slow down myopia progression.
For parents seeking effective solutions to address their child’s myopia, myopia control contact lenses present a safe and beneficial option supported by research and clinical experience.
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