The Science Behind Multifocal Lenses: How They Protect Growing Eyes

Children today spend more time on screens and less time outdoors, leading to a significant rise in myopia, or nearsightedness. As this condition progresses, it increases the risk of serious vision problems later in life, including glaucoma, retinal detachment, and macular degeneration. One of the most promising solutions is multifocal contact lenses - a proven tool in myopia management in Long Beach and beyond.

 

Understanding Myopia and Why It Matters

Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This makes distant objects appear blurry. While glasses or regular contact lenses can correct vision, they don’t stop the eye from continuing to grow - meaning myopia can worsen over time.

 

How Multifocal Lenses Work

Multifocal lenses have a unique design that features multiple zones of focus - typically for near, intermediate, and distance vision. This design changes the way light enters the eye, reducing the stimulus that triggers the eye to grow longer.

The key concept is peripheral defocus. Traditional lenses correct the central vision but allow light to focus behind the retina in the periphery, signaling the eye to keep growing. Multifocal lenses adjust that focus so peripheral light lands in front of the retina, signaling the eye to slow or stop its elongation.

 

Proven Results in Myopia Management

Research shows that children who wear multifocal contact lenses can experience up to a 50% reduction in myopia progression compared to those wearing standard lenses. This means clearer vision, fewer prescription changes, and a reduced risk of future eye health issues.

At Long Beach Family Optometry, our eye doctor in Long Beach uses advanced diagnostic tools to monitor your child’s eye growth and recommend the most effective multifocal contact lenses in Long Beach tailored to their specific needs.

 

The Benefits Go Beyond Vision Correction

Multifocal lenses offer comfort, convenience, and confidence. Many children adapt quickly and enjoy the freedom they provide for sports and daily activities. Parents appreciate that this proactive solution helps safeguard their child’s long-term vision health.

 

Start Myopia Management in Long Beach Today

Myopia management is about more than just seeing clearly today - it’s about protecting vision for the future. Multifocal lenses represent a breakthrough in preventing nearsightedness from worsening and ensuring growing eyes stay healthy.

If your child is showing signs of myopia, schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Long Beach Family Optometry to learn more about multifocal contact lenses for myopia management. Visit our office in Long Beach, California, or call (562) 553-6600 today.