Optometrist Uses New Contact Lens Technology to Slow Progression of Nearsightedness in Youth

Recent studies confirm a myopia epidemic created by lifestyle changes that cause children to become nearsighted (myopic), and getting more nearsighted as they grow older. The optical industry has responded with a special contact lens that slows the progression.

Loveland, United States - November 20, 2017 /MarketersMedia/ —

Myopia (nearsightedness) in children has been steadily rising so that one-third of the global population is estimated to be affected now, and half the world's population (nearly 5 billion people) will be nearsighted (myopic) by 2050, according to a recent study.*

The study points out that the fast growth of myopia in children is mainly due to “lifestyle changes as a result of decreased time outdoors and increased near work activities." Many children stay indoors too much and focus on electronic games and other devices. This has been a trend for the last decade or more.

It's also true that a child's nearsightedness tends to get progressively worse year after year.

According to Dr. Ken Van Amerongen, optometrist and eye disease specialist in Loveland, Colorado, there are recent optical developments that reduce the risk of myopia and slow its progression. Dr. Van, as he is called, says that myopia progression can be slowed by the use of multifocal soft contact lenses and, sometimes, low-dose atropine eye drops.

While contact lenses are generally safe and improve quality of life for teenagers, younger children with myopia will benefit from learning to wear contacts safely and comfortably. “The use of soft multifocal contact lenses as a platform for myopia control in our children is exciting and effective,” he said, “especially when combined properly with lifestyle changes.”

Dr. Van Amerongen prescribes the following process for myopia management in children. First, multifocal soft contact lenses to correct what is called peripheral hyperopic defocus. Then, in some cases, atropine eye drops are needed to make the pupil of the eye larger and relax the muscles in the eye. The lifestyle changes needed include increased exposure to daylight and reduced near-based visual activities.

An important reason to implement a strict myopia control procedure is to prevent the occurrence of “high myopia,” which is fast becoming the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Eye health researchers recommend comprehensive eye care services to manage the rapid increase of high myopia (a five-fold increase from 2000). Regular eye care management can slow the progression of myopia in children and prevent them from becoming highly myopic.

“Even if your children are not myopic,” Dr. Van Amerongen says, “I recommend they receive an eye exam each year by an optometrist or ophthalmologist so preventive measures can begin if they are found to be at risk. In addition, daylight exposure also reduces the risk of developing myopia. Children should be advised to spend a lot of time outdoors, especially up to age 12. Lastly,” Dr. Van explains, “we can reduce the impact of this epidemic on our children with reduced time spent on near based activities. This especially includes electronic devices that require constant focusing up close.”

Dr. Van's eye clinic is in Loveland, Colorado, at Van's Eyecare. They are taking appointments for nearsighted children to establish a course of action for slowing the progression of myopia. Van's Eyecare will also examine children without myopia so that preventive strategies can be employed if they are at risk. Call Van's Eyecare in Loveland at (970) 667-3445 or set an appointment online at www.vanseyecare.com.

*Source: the journal Ophthalmology as cited in Science Daily.

Contact Info:
Name: Dr. Kenneth Van Amerongen
Organization: Van's Eyecare
Address: 1209 W Eisenhower Blvd, Loveland, CO 80537
Phone: (970) 667-3445

Video URL: https://youtu.be/CRqDvHb3_HM

Source URL: https://marketersmedia.com/optometrist-uses-new-contact-lens-technology-to-slow-progression-of-nearsightedness-in-youth/266677

For more information, please visit http://eyedoctorinloveland.com

Source: MarketersMedia

Release ID: 266677