Soft Multifocal Contact Lenses: A Game-Changer in Myopia Control

Myopia or Nearsightedness, is a growing epidemic that is being diagnosed I children at earlier ages. Managing myopia has become a priority for eye care providers and parents, with treatment options such as Ortho-k, Atropine and notably Soft Multifocal Contact lenses.

What are Soft Multifocal Contact Lenses?

Soft Contact lenses are originally designed for those who need help seeing either at distance or seeing up close. Recently, optometrists have began using specially designed contact lenses to help slow down myopia progression in children. These myopia control contact lenses use specific optical strategies that are achieved with multifocal designs, this helps reduce the “signal” that causes the eye to grow longer which is the primary cause of nearsightedness.

How does it work?

Soft contact lenses typically have a Central zone that corrects distance vision & Peripheral zones with focusing power. This design has been thought to slow down the eye’s axial elongation by creating a myopic defocus in the peripheral retina, the signal that tells the eye to stop elongating. Slowing this growth helps reduce the risk of ocular diseases associated with high myopia later in life.

Benefits of Soft Multifocal Lenses for Myopia Control

1. Slow down myopia progression

• Studies such as the BLINK trials have shown that children using soft contact lenses for myopia control experienced significantly slower progression compared to those wearing standard lenses.

2. Non-invasive treatment

• Soft multifocal lenses offer a non-invasive, reversible way to treat myopia, aside from the fact that children are too young for refractive surgery.

3. Comfortable and ease of use

• Most children adapt quickly and are comfortable, making this ideal for those who play sports.

​​​​​​4. Clear vision without glasses

• Most children will enjoy the freedom of being able to see without the need of wearing glasses.

Is it Safe for Kids?

With proper hygiene and guidance, children as young as 8 years old can safely wear soft contact lenses. Studies show that children often do well if not better than teenagers at caring for their lenses when properly trained. The optometrist will evaluate your child’s health, lifestyle and maturity to determine if they are a good candidate.

When Should My Child Start?

Myopia tends to progress faster during childhood, especially between ages 8 to 13 years of age, starting treatment as soon as you can will have the greatest long-term impact. If your child’s nearsightedness has been increasing year after year, it may be beneficial to consider soft multifocal contact lenses for myopia control.

Talk to your Optometrist

We offer personalized myopia management plans that include Orthokeratology and Soft Multifocal Contact Lenses. During the myopia control consultation, we will guide you through:

• Whether Ortho-k, Soft multifocal contact lenses or Atropine are suitable for your child

• How to wear and care for the lenses safely

• What outcomes to expect over time

Want to learn more? Call us to schedule a Myopia management consultation today with one of our doctors.