Multifocal Contact Lenses for Myopia Management

Last blog, we touched on Ortho-K lenses, a special type of rigid contact lense that is approved for overnight wear, which can help slow down the progression of myopia. For soft contact lenses there are also certain types of multifocal contact lenses that have been shown to be effective in myopia control. Multifocal soft contact lenses (MF SCL) are daytime lenses originally developed for presbyopia—the common condition affecting people over 40 that causes increasing difficulties with reading and near focusing. While there are various designs of MF SCLs on the market, recent research have found that particular designs, so-called ‘centre-distance’ lenses—where the centre zone of the lens gives clear far-distance vision and the peripheral zones help with close-up focusing — are also effective in reducing myopia progression in children who wear these lenses daily. Studies show that both Ortho K and MF SCL can slow the rate of myopia progression in children by an average of around 50%, compared to wearing traditional single-vision. lenses. Which type of therapy is more suitable for each myopia control candidate can depend on age, lifestyle and ease of use. These are just a few factors that we consider when conducting a myopia consultation and coming up with a treatment plan that best suits each individual client’s needs. For more information book in for your myopia consultation today.