New Contact Lens to Slow Childhood Myopia

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first-ever contact lenses for nearsightedness in children.

These contact lenses are found under the name MiSight. The FDA approved them for children between the ages of 8 and 12 who have myopia.

Myopia, otherwise known as nearsightedness, is common in children. Those with myopia cannot see far, but they have good near vision. Both glasses and contact lenses are used to correct myopia.

MiSight lenses are intended to slow the progression of myopia in those with healthy eyes. These contact lenses are for single use and are disposable; they can be discarded at the end of each day.

“Today’s approval is the first FDA-approved product to slow the progression of myopia in children, which ultimately could mean a reduced risk of developing other eye problems,” said Dr. Malvina Eydelman, director of the FDA's Office of Ophthalmic, Anesthesia, Respiratory, ENT and Dental Devices, in a press release.

MiSight was studied for safety and efficacy in a randomized, controlled clinical trial over three years. There were no serious eye-related adverse events over the course of the trial.

The approval of MiSight was granted to CooperVision Inc.

Speak with your eye doctor if you have any questions.

Written by Anyssa Garza, PharmD, BCMAS