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For many children, the experience of getting their first pair of glasses is an inevitable milestone, the first in a lifetime of visits to the eye doctor. But what if those lenses could actually help preserve the child’s vision and reduce the chances of more serious eye problems in adulthood?
That’s the promise of a new type of lens approved by the Food and Drug Administration in September. While the technology has previously been available in Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world, it’s now rolling out in the U.S.
What is myopia, and why is it increasing? Myopia, commonly called nearsightedness, is when people can clearly see objects at close range but struggle with distant objects, which often appear blurry or indistinct. Studies conducted around the world have shown rising rates of myopia, which researchers have associated with increased time indoors looking at screens, books, and other objects held close to the eyes.
In the U.S., 30% to 40% of children will have myopia by the time they finish high school, according to Dr. Michael Repka, a professor and pediatric ophthalmologist at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Until now, doctors have had few options for treating the condition.
“It was typically and simply: ‘Your child needs to wear glasses and they’ll live with it,'” Repka said. “It will be lifelong and it will likely get worse over the next few years.”
The specialized glasses, sold under the brand Essilor Stellest, are approved by the FDA to slow nearsightedness in 6- to 12-year-olds. The FDA said it cleared the lenses based on company data showing children experienced a 70% reduction in the progression of their myopia after two years.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.