Surge in Children’s Contact Lens Use for Myopia Control

The growing demand for children’s contact lenses to control the progression of myopia is capturing attention worldwide. As more parents seek effective solutions to manage their children’s short-sightedness, the trend is gaining momentum, particularly in regions like Singapore, known for its high myopia rates.

In Singapore, Michaela Wang, a 13-year-old student, began wearing contact lenses three years ago to mitigate her myopia. Initially wearing spectacles, Michaela quickly transitioned to daily disposable contact lenses designed specifically for myopia control. Michaela’s experience highlights a crucial shift in how young individuals address vision issues by opting for preventive measures rather than just corrective ones.

Myopia control is essential during childhood as myopia frequently escalates during these formative years. Unlike standard spectacles and contact lenses that merely correct vision, myopia-control lenses aim to slow its progression. These specialized lenses incorporate multiple focal powers to curb the acceleration of myopia, making them an increasingly popular choice among parents.

As awareness grows, vision-care companies in Singapore report a rising demand for these specialized lenses for children as young as eight. This surge in interest is echoed by Lee Kang Lian, president of the Singapore Optometric Association, who notes a noticeable uptick in demand. He emphasizes the importance of opting for myopia-control lenses over traditional ones, especially as myopia progression peaks between the ages of seven and nine.

Statistics reveal the stark reality of myopia prevalence in Singapore, with significant numbers of children affected. Research conducted by the Singapore National Eye Centre indicates that by age five, 10% of Singaporean children are myopic, increasing substantially as they grow older. Additionally, a recent study in Spain with 92 children aged five to 12 demonstrated that certain myopia-control contact lenses could reduce myopia progression by up to 50%.

Leading the charge in providing solutions, CooperVision, a global contact lens manufacturer, has experienced a doubling in local demand for their soft myopia-control lenses since their launch in Singapore in 2019. Dawn Lim, CooperVision’s General Manager for South-east Asia, points out the importance of proper hygiene practices among children using these lenses, including not wearing them during sleep or swimming.

This increase in demand and awareness is not limited to soft lenses. Orthokeratology lenses, worn overnight to reshape the cornea, are also gaining traction. These hard lenses provide clear vision during the day without the need for glasses and are becoming increasingly popular among children involved in sports or extracurricular activities.

Dr. Ng Wei Yan from the Singapore National Eye Centre affirms that infection rates for children using these lenses are comparably low when hygiene practices are strictly followed. Meanwhile, eyecare providers like OJO Optometrist and W Optics have seen a significant rise in interest and sales, demonstrating a clear shift towards proactive myopia management.

Civil servant Michele Sim, Michaela’s mother, represents many parents embracing the change. With over two decades of personal contact lens experience, she acknowledges the benefits of early myopia control for her daughter. As the demand continues to rise, the focus on children’s eye health remains a priority, highlighting the evolving landscape of vision care where innovation meets necessity.