The First FDA-Approved Product to Slow the Progression of Myopia Hits the Market

Earlier this month the FDA granted approval to a soft daily disposable contact lens for not only the correction of nearsightedness but to also slow or prevent it from worsening in children. While we have several well documented treatment options to slow myopia progression, this is the first product approved by the FDA. CooperVision's MiSight works to focus light in a way that softens the stimulus that causes the eye to lengthen, and in return, become more nearsighted. Clinical trials with this lens have been very positive, and we are excited to bring it to the public. 

Why is it important to slow myopia (nearsightedness) in children? 

It is becoming increasingly more common for children to develop high amounts of nearsightedness. There are two primary factors that predispose children to becoming highly nearsighted: genetic and environmental. When both parents are highly nearsighted, the child is more likely to become nearsighted. The environment around us is also "closing in."  Children are spending more time on computers, cellphones, and tablets and less time outdoors. There is evidence that excessive near work during development leads to increasing myopia. 

Being highly nearsighted does not just come with needing thicker glasses or a stronger prescription. There are many eye conditions these people are at a higher risk of developing. Nearsightedness is associated with lengthening of the eye. As the eye grows longer, the retina thins. This puts you at a higher risk for retinal detachments, hemorrhages, glaucoma, uncorrectable vision loss, and more.

While we have been using other products successfully for myopia control off label for decades, this new FDA approval of a daily disposable soft contact lens is a breakthrough in myopia control. It will be easily accessible for families and comfortably worn by young children. Proactive management and early intervention is the most successful way to treat myopia. Our doctors would be happy to discuss treatment options for your children. 

Follow this link to learn more on CooperVision's website.


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