Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a common problem for many people. There are different ways to control it and improve visual acuity. One method you may have heard of is wearing distance-center multifocal soft contact lenses. Today, Myopia Institute discusses how they work and how they differ from ortho k lenses.
How Distance-Center Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses Correct Myopia
Distance-center multifocal soft contact lenses have two distinct regions within their optical zones. The central portion compensates for difficulties seeing from afar. The outer area, on the other hand, has a relatively positive power to reduce hyperopia defocusing, giving you improved far-range visual acuity.
Similar to regular contact lenses, distance-center multifocal soft lenses also have different designs. The central region may have varying diameters. Meanwhile, the outer zone may either have concentric rings or gradient powers starting from the center toward the lenses’ edges.
Several studies have shown that using distance-center multifocal soft contact lenses can help slow down myopia development and control eye elongation. Jeffrey J. Walline, O.D., Ph.D, the associate dean for research at the Ohio State University and the chair of the American Optometric Association’s Contact Lens and Cornea Section, even stated that, “We think [the lenses work] because they focus light in front of the peripheral retina, and they focus light right on the retina, which provides people with clear vision.”
How They Differ From Ortho K Lenses
Orthokeratology is a corneal reshaping therapy that involves wearing gas-permeable molds while you’re sleeping. While distance-center multifocal soft lenses are worn during your waking hours, the science behind the Ortho k lenses allows them to gently reshape your cornea overnight. As a result, it reduces the irregularities causing your myopic symptoms.
You may remove the OrthoK molds as soon as you wake up and enjoy the rest of your day with improved visual acuity. Researchers found that distance-center multifocal soft contact lenses are as successful as orthokeratology when it comes to controlling myopia progression and eye elongation.
For more information about distance-center multifocal soft contact lenses, get in touch with a local myopia control specialist today. We’re excited to serve you.