Posted by Dr. J. R. Lacey, Therapeutic Optometrist
Using Bifocals to Slow Myopia (nearsightedness)
Research optometrists from several international universities (Queensland University of Technology in Australia and Hong Kong Polytechnic University) have completed a two year study to test whether the use of bifocals in children can slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness).
The study included children with an average age of ten years with myopic progression of at least 0.50 diopters in the preceeding year. The children were prescribed one of three treatments:
1. Single vision lenses to correct the nearsightedness. This is the usual Rx by most doctors in the world today.
2. Bifocals with a medium powered lens for near, i.e. +1.50 D.
3. Bifocals with a medium powered lens for near, i.e. +1.50 D. AND a prism correction (3 prism diopters base in prism) in each eye.
Progression was monitored by objective (computerized refraction) means every six months. The results after two years revealed that the group placed in the bifocals with the prism correction (#3 group above) had progressed only -0.70 Diopters compared to the traditional treatment RX of single vision lenses only which had increased an average of -1.55 Diopters. The axial length of the eye also increased more in those using single vision lenses.
Summary: Bifocals with prism correction in children with myopia decreased the progression of myopia substantially!
This is important because high myopia increases the risk of a number of eye diseases in addition to requiring higher prescriptions and thicker lenses to enable the person to see clearly.
Recommendation of the study: Doctors should consider prescribing bifocals with prism correction for children that are showing annual increases in the amount of nearsightedness.
Posted by Dr. J. R. Lacey, Therapeutic Optometrist
Contact Lenses will not only improve your child's vision, but also improve his/her self confidence!
Most adults have known for years, although some choose not to admit it, that other people look more attractive when not wearing glasses. It's not that glasses look bad. In fact there are many great eyewear designs and great lenses that can be flattering; and glasses provide a wonderful benefit for millions who choose to wear them. But, let's face facts. A review of People Magazine's most beautiful people reveals NO ONE WEARING GLASSES. When is the last time the swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated had someone wearing glasses? Any eye doctor can tell you stories of people that present prior to their wedding to get rid of their glasses for that special day.
Despite this general knowledge, many parents have reluctantly chosen to keep their children in eyeglasses instead of contacts for reasons that usually aren't justified. Many eye doctors have known for years what I am about to reveal to you. In fact, I prescribed contacts for my own daughter when she was eight years old - well before the results of this study were known.
Contact Lenses will not only improve your child's vision, but also improve his/her self confidence!
The Adolescent and Child Health Initiative to Encourage Vision Empowerment (ACHIEVE) studied the impact of glasses vs. contacts on how children feel about themselves. A group of almost 500 ethnically diverse children in five different U.S. cities aged eight to eleven (8-11) were chosen at random to wear either glasses or contact lenses for three years. All the subjects had previously been wearing glasses to correct myopia (nearsightedness).
The children were then tested with the Self Perception Profile for Children which is a test for understanding self esteem and self concept. It is the gold standard for psychology in measuring these attributes.
The Result: Children in the contact lens group felt significantly better about themselves compared to eyeglass wearers in physical appearance, social acceptance and athletic competence. Additionally, those children who initially disliked eyeglasses also made gains in their own perceptions of academic performance.
A noted psychologist in the study stated, "Kids who perceive themselves as unattractive or not socially accepted by their peers tend to be at higher risk for depression, disordered eating behaviors and other negative adjustment outcomes."
This study certainly validates my own clinical experience after watching children and teenagers quickly gain self confidence and self esteem after I prescribe contact lenses.
Parents: I suggest you strongly consider contact lenses for your children ages eight and above!
Dr. J. R. Lacey
Optometric Glaucoma Specialist
Austin, Texas
