2019 brought FDA approval of the first contact lens specifically developed to slow the progression of nearsightedness, CooperVision’s MiSight lens. With an excellent efficacy and safety profile, this daily disposable lens is a great choice for any child within the available parameters.

The foundation of evidence-based care is to provide patients with all of the appropriate options for which they are a candidate and to assist them in making an informed decision in their care. There is much evidence to demonstrate that other soft multifocal contact lenses, orthokeratology, and atropine can also slow myopia progression. Recent studies have also demonstrated that executive bifocals (lenses with a line across the entire lens) can have a smaller, but still clinically meaningful, effect in slowing progression. There are many appropriate reasons why patients may prefer to start with one treatment over another. These include cost, patient compliance, current prescription and any binocular vision anomalies.

Preventive measures such as increased outdoor programs and activities and changes on limiting near distance activities in preschool children should be implemented. These are cost effective and relatively easy to administer.

CooperVision has released findings from a two-year clinical study for its Diffusion Optics Technology, which is aimed to help children reduce the progression of myopia. According to a recent press release, children who wore their Diffusion Optics Technology-enabled spectacles full time for two years, including not removing them for near vision activities, progressed one-half diopter less than those who wore the control spectacles—a drop of 59 percent. Beginning this month, CooperVision will make the new product available to eyecare providers in the Netherlands. This technology is currently unavailable in the United States.