Myopia is becoming more common in children. It can make far-away objects look blurry. It can also get stronger as a child grows. That is why myopia management matters. Today, eye doctors have more ways to manage myopia. NaturalVue Multi-focal 1 Day contact lenses offer one option.
These lenses correct blurry vision. They may also help slow myopia progression. But how do they work?
Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia is also called nearsightedness.
People with myopia see nearby objects clearly. However, far-away objects may look blurry. Myopia often happens when the eye grows too long. It can also happen when the eye focuses light too strongly.
In a healthy eye, light focuses directly on the retina.
The retina sits at the back of the eye. It senses light and sends visual information to the brain.
With myopia, the eye focuses light in front of the retina. This causes blurry distance vision. A child may start with mild myopia. However, the prescription can increase over time. That can mean stronger glasses or contact lenses.
Why Does Myopia Management Matter?
Myopia means more than blurry vision.
A child may need vision correction every day. More importantly, higher levels of myopia can raise the risk of certain eye problems later in life. These problems can include retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy. The risk can increase as myopia becomes stronger.
Therefore, slowing myopia progression matters. Myopia management does not always stop myopia completely. Instead, doctors aim to slow eye growth. This can help limit how much myopia develops over time.
What Are NaturalVue Lenses?
NaturalVue Multi-focal 1 Day lenses are daily disposable contact lenses. Visioneering Technologies makes the NaturalVue lens.
The lens uses a unique multi-focal design. This design differs from a standard contact lens.
A traditional single-vision lens mainly corrects distance vision. NaturalVue takes a different approach.
The lens uses an extended depth-of-focus design.
In simple terms, the lens creates a wider range of focus. This design also changes how light reaches different parts of the retina. That feature plays an important role in the lens design.
How Can NaturalVue Support Myopia Management?
The eye responds to more than the center of vision. Researchers have studied how peripheral vision affects eye growth. This research has become an important part of myopia management.
NaturalVue uses a unique optical approach. Its design creates a smooth change in lens power. The lens provides clear central vision.
At the same time, the lens can create a myopic defocus signal. Myopic defocus means the eye receives a focus signal slightly in front of the retina. Researchers believe this type of signal may help slow eye growth. That idea supports several modern myopia-management designs. However, every child responds differently.
One child may see stronger results than another. For that reason, regular eye exams remain important.
What Makes NaturalVue Different?
NaturalVue has a unique optical design. The lens does not use a series of visible rings. Instead, it uses a smooth power profile. This design creates an extended range of focus. Many patients find this type of vision comfortable.
NaturalVue also comes as a daily disposable lens. Patients use a fresh lens each day. They do not need to clean or store the lenses overnight. This can make contact lens care easier.
Daily lenses can also reduce the number of steps in a child’s routine. Still, proper hygiene remains important. Children should always wash their hands before handling lenses.
Is There Research Behind NaturalVue?
Yes. Researchers have studied NaturalVue for myopia management. Clinical studies have examined children and young patients who wore the lenses. Some research has shown slower eye growth and slower myopia progression among NaturalVue wearers. However, research results can vary.
No myopia-management option works exactly the same for every child. Some children may respond very well. Others may show a smaller response. That makes regular monitoring important.
An eye doctor can check the child’s prescription over time. The doctor may also measure the length of the eye. These measurements can help show how the child’s eyes change.
Why Does Eye Length Matter?
Eye doctors may measure axial length during myopia visits.
Axial length measures the eye from front to back. This measurement gives doctors useful information about eye growth. As myopia progresses, the eye can grow longer. Therefore, doctors can track axial length over time.
Prescription changes also provide useful information. However, prescription measurements do not tell the entire story. That is why some myopia-management programs track both prescription and axial length.
These measurements help doctors understand how well a treatment works.
Who May Benefit From NaturalVue?
NaturalVue may work well for children with myopia.
Doctors may consider it when a child’s prescription continues to increase. It may also suit children who want contact lenses. However, not every child feels ready for contacts.
Children need to understand basic lens safety. They also need to follow their doctor’s instructions. Parents can help younger children develop good habits.
Before recommending NaturalVue, the eye doctor will check the child’s eyes. The doctor will also review the prescription and overall needs. Then, the doctor can decide if NaturalVue makes sense for that child.
What Are the Benefits of Daily Disposable Lenses?
Daily disposable lenses offer a simple routine.
Put in a fresh pair each morning. Wear them during the day. Then, throw them away at night. There is no overnight storage. There is also no need for a lens case.
This simple routine can help children manage their lenses.
However, daily lenses still require proper care.
Always wash your hands before handling contacts. Never share contact lenses with another person. Replace a lens if it becomes damaged. If the eyes become red, painful, or unusually sensitive, remove the lenses. Then, contact your eye doctor.
NaturalVue and Glasses
Glasses remain an important option for myopia management. Some children prefer glasses. Others prefer contact lenses. NaturalVue gives families another choice. The right option depends on the child.
Lifestyle can also affect the decision.
For example, contact lenses may work well for children who play sports. Some children may also prefer contacts for their appearance. On the other hand, glasses offer a simple daily routine.
Your eye doctor can explain both options. Together, you can choose an approach that fits your child.
What Else Can Help With Myopia?
Myopia management involves more than contact lenses.
Healthy daily habits can also help. Outdoor time plays an important role. Research links more outdoor time with a lower risk of developing myopia.
Children should also take breaks during near work. This includes reading, homework, and screen time.
One simple habit follows the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look about 20 feet away. Look away for at least 20 seconds.
This gives the eyes a short break. These habits support healthy visual routines. However, they should not replace professional myopia management.
What Should Parents Watch For?
Parents should watch for changes in their child’s vision.
A child may have trouble seeing the classroom board. They may sit closer to the television, hold books very close to their face, or squint when looking far away.
These signs can point to myopia.
Some children may also complain about headaches. However, some children show no clear symptoms.
That makes regular eye exams especially important.
Early detection gives families more options. It also allows doctors to begin myopia management sooner.
The Bottom Line
Myopia affects more children every year. For many children, the prescription can continue to increase. That makes myopia management an important part of eye care.
NaturalVue Multi-focal 1 Day offers one possible option. Its unique design provides an extended depth of focus. The lens can correct blurry vision. It may also provide an optical signal that helps slow eye growth.
Clinical research supports the use of NaturalVue as a myopia-management option. Instead, eye doctors may use NaturalVue as part of a broader myopia-management plan.
Every child has different needs. Therefore, an eye doctor should guide treatment. Regular exams can track changes over time. Doctors can monitor both prescription and eye growth when appropriate. With the right plan, families can take action early.
The goal is simple.
Help children see clearly today. At the same time, help support their eye health for the future.
Schedule your appointment at 1 of our 4 conveniently located offices in San Jose, San Mateo, San Ramon, and Juneau.
