Using Contact Lenses and Spectacle Lenses as Myopia Interventions.
This research study is for young people aged 11 to 17 who are short-sighted (myopia) and already wear special contact lenses to help manage their vision. It's building on a previous study to see how alternating between certain contact lenses and spectacle (glasses) lenses might affect the progression of short-sightedness. Participants will wear specific types of contact lenses for most of the week and switch to special glasses lenses for other times. The main goal is to understand if this approach helps slow down the worsening of short-sightedness over time. It could offer new insights into how to best manage vision for young people with myopia.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Short-sightedness, also known as myopia, is when distant objects look blurry, but close objects are seen clearly. It often develops during childhood and can get worse over time. This study is designed to explore new ways to help manage short-sightedness in young people. It's building on previous research and focuses on children and teenagers aged 11 to 17 who are already using special contact lenses to help control their short-sightedness.
The main idea behind this study is to see what happens when participants switch between wearing specific types of contact lenses and special spectacle (glasses) lenses. Researchers want to understand if this 'alternating' approach helps to slow down the progression of short-sightedness. By looking at how the eyes change over time, they hope to find better ways to help young people keep their vision as stable as possible.
Finding effective ways to manage short-sightedness is important because severe short-sightedness can sometimes lead to other eye problems later in life. This study aims to contribute to our knowledge, potentially offering more options for eye care professionals to discuss with families about managing short-sightedness in young people.
Key takeaways
- The study explores new ways to manage short-sightedness (myopia) in young people.
- It involves alternating between special contact lenses and spectacle (glasses) lenses.
- Participants must be aged 11-17 and already experienced contact lens wearers from a previous study.
- The goal is to see if this method helps slow down how much short-sightedness progresses.
- Regular eye checks are a key part of taking part.
- Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is specifically for young people aged between 11 and 17 years old. To take part, you must have already finished a four-year study called the MiSight® Analysis of Progression (MAP) Study, meaning you're already familiar with research studies and contact lens wear. You need to be currently wearing soft contact lenses, including those designed to help control short-sightedness.
Your eye doctor will check your eyesight to make sure your short-sightedness is within a specific range (between -0.50 and -6.00) and that any astigmatism (a common eye condition causing blurred vision) isn't too strong. Your eyes must also be healthy enough to safely wear contact lenses, and you should be able to see clearly with your best-corrected vision. Both you and your parent or guardian will need to read and sign consent forms, and you should be able to follow the study instructions and attend all appointments.
You won't be able to join if you're already in another study, have recently worn certain types of hard contact lenses, or used strong atropine eye drops for short-sightedness in the last month. If you sleep in your contact lenses, or if you have any ongoing eye problems or use medicines that might affect your vision or how you wear contact lenses, you might not be suitable. Your eye doctor will perform a thorough check to ensure it's safe and appropriate for you to take part.
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.
- Are you between 11 and 17 years old?
- Have you already completed the 4-year MiSight® MAP Study?
- Do you currently wear soft contact lenses?
- Is your short-sightedness (myopia) within the range of -0.50 to -6.00?
- Are your eyes healthy enough for contact lens wear?
- Are you able to attend all study appointments?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be asked to wear specific study contact lenses for 10 hours a day, 5 days a week, as much as possible. On other days or times, you'll switch to wearing special spectacle (glasses) lenses. You'll need to attend regular appointments with the study team so they can check your eyes and vision, and monitor how your short-sightedness is progressing. These appointments are important to make sure the study lenses are working well and that your eyes remain healthy.
The study involves regular assessments, such as eye tests and checks of your contact lens fit and comfort. You'll be given detailed instructions on how to use and care for your study lenses. The total duration of your participation will be explained by the study team, but it's important to be prepared for ongoing check-ups over a period of time. You won't be taking any medication as part of this study, but rather using different types of lenses.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) School of Optometry & Vision Science University of WaterlooVerified postcodeWaterloo, Canada
- Aston UniversityVerified postcodeBirmingham, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is 'myopia'?
Myopia is the medical term for short-sightedness, meaning you can see things clearly up close, but distant objects appear blurry.
Will I have to pay to join this study?
No, you will not have to pay to participate in this study. All study-related lenses and eye assessments will be provided.
What if I decide I don't want to continue with the study?
You are free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, and it will not affect your future eye care or medical treatment.
How often will I need to wear the study lenses?
The goal is to wear the study contact lenses for 10 hours a day, 5 days a week, and use special glasses lenses at other times.
Will this study cure my short-sightedness?
No, this study is not designed to cure short-sightedness. It aims to investigate if a specific approach can help slow down its progression.
How to find out more
Baskar Arumugam, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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