Clinical performance and safety of soft contact lenses in children
Researchers are running a study on short-sighted children aged 8 to 12. Short-sightedness, also known as myopia, has become much more common in young people. This is a concern because severe short-sightedness can sometimes lead to more serious eye problems later in life. This study wants to find out if special daily disposable soft contact lenses are better than regular glasses at slowing down the worsening of short-sightedness in children. Participants will wear either these special contact lenses or their usual glasses, and researchers will check their vision and eye health over 24 weeks. The goal is to see if these contact lenses can help protect children's eyes in the long run. The study is run by Eurolens Research, University of Manchester, UK.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Many children today are becoming short-sighted, and the number is growing quickly. This is important because being very short-sighted can sometimes make you more likely to develop other eye conditions as you get older. Doctors and researchers are trying to find ways to slow down this worsening of short-sightedness and protect children’s eyes for the future. One approach involves using specially designed contact lenses or glasses.
This study is looking at how well a specific type of daily soft contact lens compares to regular glasses in helping children who are short-sighted. The main idea is to see if these special contact lenses can reduce how quickly short-sightedness gets worse in children aged 8 to 12 years old. By doing this, the researchers hope to understand if these lenses could reduce the risk of more serious eye problems later in life.
The study will follow children over approximately 24 weeks, checking their vision and eye health regularly. The findings from this research could help eye care professionals decide on the best ways to manage short-sightedness in children, potentially offering a better future for their eyesight.
Key takeaways
- Focuses on children aged 8-12 who are short-sighted.
- Compares special daily contact lenses to regular glasses.
- Aims to slow down the progression of short-sightedness.
- Takes place over approximately 24 weeks in Manchester, UK.
- Small risk of eye infection with contact lens wear.
- Participation is voluntary and you can withdraw at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for children aged between 8 and 12 years old. To join, they need to be generally healthy and already wear soft contact lenses or glasses. A parent or guardian must understand the study and agree for their child to take part, and the child also needs to understand and agree to participate in a way that makes sense for their age.
There are a few reasons why a child might not be able to join. For example, if they have an eye condition that would make wearing contact lenses unsafe, or if they've had eye surgery. Also, if they are taking certain medications for their eyes or body that might react badly with contact lenses, they won't be able to take part. Children cannot have been in another contact lens study in the last month.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Is your child between 8 and 12 years old?
- Is your child generally healthy?
- Does your child currently wear soft contact lenses or glasses?
- Does your child not have any serious eye conditions or recent eye surgery?
- Is your child not currently taking any medicines that might make contact lens wear unsafe?
What does participation involve?
If your child takes part, they will come for several visits over about 24 weeks. The first step involves you (as the parent or guardian) and your child reading and signing forms to show you both understand and agree to the study. We’ll gather some general information about your child, their medical history, and past use of contact lenses or glasses.
For the first 12 weeks, your child will either use the special contact lenses or wear their glasses. We'll check how well the lenses fit, how regularly they're worn, and how good your child's vision is. This will be repeated for another 12 weeks. We’ll also ask about any problems or side effects your child might experience. At the end, there will be a final check-up.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Eurolens ResearchCity onlyManchester, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is 'short-sightedness'?
Short-sightedness, also called myopia, means you can see nearby objects clearly but distant objects appear blurry.
Why is it important to control short-sightedness?
Slowing down the worsening of short-sightedness can help reduce the chances of developing more serious eye problems later in life.
Will my child have to wear contact lenses if they join?
Participants will either wear the special study contact lenses or continue with their regular glasses, depending on what the study assigns.
How long will the study last for my child?
Your child's involvement in the study is expected to last for about 24 weeks, which is roughly six months.
Where is this study taking place?
The study is being run from Eurolens Research at the University of Manchester, here in the UK.
How to find out more
Jose Vega
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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