MiSight or Orthokeratology: Which Option Is Better for Your Child?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is on the rise in children. Childhood-onset myopia is commonly caused when the eyes grow too long. They often continue growing beyond 10 to 12 years of age. Genetics plays a role in the development of this condition. However, according to the National Eye Institute, recent studies show that the rate at which myopia is increasing in children points to environmental factors an important cause of this trend.

Myopia progresses more rapidly in younger children as their eyes grow faster. Early detection provides the best opportunity to slow the condition’s progression. Recent technological advancements have provided innovative methods for effectively treating myopia, also commonly known as nearsightedness, and have yielded remarkable results. Two of the best weapons in myopia control treatment are the CooperVision MiSight one-day lens, a clinically proven and FDA-approved treatment for slowing myopia progression in children, and Orthokeratology (Ortho-k) or corneal reshaping. The Ortho-k lens is a rigid gas permeable contact lens that has been used safely and effectively for over 40 years. It gently reshapes the surface of the cornea to improve or eliminate myopia. While both treatments achieve similar outcomes, they are quite different from one another.

 

MiSight One-Day Lenses Clinically Proven to Slow Myopia Progression

MiSight contact lenses are soft, dual-focus contact lenses worn during the day and are designed to redirect how the light hits the retina, which “tricks” the eye into not growing too long. MiSight lenses are the first FDA-approved lenses for controlling myopia progression in children. Three, five, and seven-year studies have clinically shown that MiSight lenses effectively slow axial elongation by an average of 59%.

 

MiSight Benefits

MiSight lenses have several benefits, especially for children:

• They are disposable, daily wear lenses that are comfortable and easier for optometrists to fit than Ortho-k lenses.
• They require fewer visits with your eye care provider to get started and are less expensive.
• They are easier to apply, remove, and replace – a lost lens is easily replaced with a new one from your child’s supply.
• While maintaining good hygiene practices is essential, no cleaning or disinfecting is required with MiSight lenses, as used lenses are discarded and replaced daily.

While MiSight contact lenses are an excellent choice to treat low levels of myopia, vision correction using MiSight lenses is more limited than what can be achieved using Ortho-k lenses. In addition, the MiSight lens design consists of one standard size and shape. If the lens fit isn’t ideal, the visual acuity that can be achieved will be compromised. While MiSight lenses can restore far vision, they cannot correct astigmatism.

 

Ortho-k Lenses Reshape the Cornea to Treat Several Ocular Conditions

Specialty contact lens providers have been prescribing Orthokeratology lenses for decades. As a treatment for myopia control, these lenses are considered the gold standard. This revolutionary non-surgical technology successfully treats, controls, and can correct myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia (farsightedness), and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).

 

 

 Orthokeratology Benefits

• Ortho-k lenses are custom-fitted, hard contact lenses that work to reshape the cornea temporarily.
• Ortho-k lenses will correct myopia and
• Ortho-k lenses are worn nightly, and children with myopia can see the next day without using corrective lenses or eyeglasses.
• Because they are custom-fitted to each eye and have a large range of parameters, the level of attainable vision correction is far greater than MiSight lenses. Ortho-k lenses can treat moderate to high levels of myopia and astigmatism.
• Ortho-k lenses support an active lifestyle, providing greater visual freedom and correction.

 

 

While Ortho-k lenses offer many benefits and are a definitive treatment for myopia, the initial cost of these lenses is higher, and the process may require multiple visits to monitor the treatment. These rigid lenses take a few days to adapt to and can cause lens awareness initially, but after the initial acclimatization, they won’t cause any discomfort during sleep. These lenses also require regular disinfection. In addition, if a lens is lost or broken, you must order a replacement lens.

Orthokeratology and MiSight lenses are both exceptional treatment options for children with myopia. Both slow the progression of this condition by reducing abnormal eye growth and preventing elongation. The option that is best for your child depends on various factors, which include your child’s level of myopia and astigmatism, eye shape, pupil size, eye sensitivity, lifestyle, activities, and personal hygiene. Finally, it is essential to assess how motivated you and your child are, as these options do require effort in their use and care.

If you have observed your child having visual difficulties, or if your child has recently been diagnosed with myopia, schedule an appointment with Miami Contact Lens Institute to discuss your treatment options. Through early detection and treatment, myopia can be effectively treated and controlled. Avoid serious complications associated with myopia when the condition goes undiagnosed.

Testimonial from Abiola, Satisfied Myopia Patient 
Fantastic team! Very friendly, explain things clearly. Great customer service and very competent doctor and staff. Shevonne, Isabella and Rick we’re all extremely helpful and Dr. Kramer obviously knows her stuff. Will definitely come back for any further needs.