Myopia Control Lens: How They Work & Why They’re Effective
In recent years, childhood myopia (nearsightedness) has been on the rise, especially due to increased screen time and reduced outdoor activity. Myopia is more than just a blurry vision problem—it can lead to serious eye health risks later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Thankfully, advances in optical science have brought innovative solutions like Abiliti™ Myopia Control Lenses by Johnson & Johnson Vision, which are specifically designed to slow down the progression of myopia in children.
This blog explains how these lenses work, their types, and why they are an effective and safe choice for myopia management.
What are Abiliti Myopia Control Lenses?
Abiliti lenses are advanced contact lenses developed to manage and slow the progression of myopia in children. Unlike regular contact lenses or glasses that only correct vision, Abiliti lenses actively work to reshape how light is processed by the eye, helping to reduce the eye’s tendency to elongate—a key factor in worsening nearsightedness.
These Lenses Come in Two Main Forms:
1. Abiliti 1-Day Lenses
These are daily disposable soft contact lenses designed to be worn during the day and discarded after each use.
2. Abiliti Overnight Lenses
Also known as orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses, these are rigid gas-permeable lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. Children remove them in the morning and enjoy clear vision throughout the day without needing glasses or contacts.
How Do Abiliti Lenses Work?
The science behind Abiliti lenses lies in how they manipulate light focus within the eye to slow down axial elongation—the underlying cause of progressive myopia.
Abiliti 1-Day Lenses
- RingBoost™ Technology: These lenses have a ring-shaped treatment zone that focuses light in front of the retina, not behind it. This creates a signal that tells the eye to slow down its growth.
- Peripheral Defocus: Most standard lenses focus peripheral light behind the retina, encouraging the eye to elongate. Abiliti 1-Day lenses shift this light in front, helping to control growth.
- High Plus Power Zones: With concentric zones of up to +7.00 diopters and a central boost of +10.00 D, these lenses offer stronger myopia control than many other multifocal lenses.
- Designed for Children: Made from the same material as ACUVUE OASYS 1-Day, these lenses are highly breathable, comfortable, and sized for pediatric eyes.
Abiliti Overnight Lenses
- Ortho-K Effect: These lenses temporarily reshape the cornea while the child sleeps. This not only provides a clear vision during the day but also slows myopia progression.
- Custom Fit: Each lens is tailored to fit the child’s unique eye shape, ensuring comfort and effective treatment.
Why Are Abiliti Lenses Effective for Myopia Control?
Abiliti lenses are not just another pair of contacts—they are clinically proven tools in the battle against childhood myopia. Here’s why:
1. Backed by Clinical Research
- Studies show that Abiliti 1-Day lenses can reduce axial eye growth by up to 0.19 mm over a year compared to traditional single-vision lenses.
- This directly correlates with the slower progression of myopia, offering long-term eye health benefits.
2. Maintains Clear Vision
- Despite their strong treatment power, over 95% of children wearing Abiliti lenses achieved 20/20 vision or better, according to clinical trials.
3. Safe and Easy to Use
- Daily disposables reduce infection risk and require minimal maintenance.
- Overnight lenses offer freedom from daytime vision correction, ideal for active children.
4. Comfortable and Protective
- Both types of lenses are made with high-oxygen materials for all-day or overnight comfort.
- Abiliti 1-Day lenses also include UV protection, helping shield young eyes from harmful sun exposure.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Abiliti 1-Day vs. Abiliti Overnight
| Feature | Abiliti 1-Day | Abiliti Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Wear Schedule | Daytime (daily disposable) | Overnight (reusable ortho-k) |
| Mechanism | Peripheral defocus (RingBoost) | Corneal reshaping |
| Myopia Control | Slows axial elongation | Slows axial elongation |
| Comfort & Safety | Soft, high-oxygen material | Rigid, custom-fit, high oxygen |
| Vision Correction | Clear vision while worn | Clear vision during day (post wear) |
| UV Protection | Yes | No |
| Age Suitability | Children (custom fit) | Children (custom fit) |
Key Takeaways
- Abiliti lenses are a clinically proven, child-friendly solution for slowing down the progression of myopia.
- By altering how light hits the retina, they reduce the stimulus for eye elongation, which is the root cause of worsening nearsightedness.
- Parents can choose between 1-Day and Overnight options depending on lifestyle, preferences, and vision needs.
- With high comfort, clear vision, and strong safety features, Abiliti lenses are a smart choice for long-term eye health in children.
Final Thoughts
Myopia is more than just a vision issue—it’s a growing eye health concern, especially in children. Abiliti™ myopia control lenses offer an advanced, clinically proven solution to not only correct nearsightedness but also slow its progression effectively and safely. Whether you choose the daily disposable 1-Day lenses or the overnight orthokeratology option, both provide tailored benefits for your child’s unique needs and lifestyle.
To ensure the best approach for managing your child’s vision, schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Eyes on Brickell. Our experienced eye care professional Dr. Antoine Copty will guide you through the right myopia control options and help protect your child’s vision for the future. So, what are you waiting for? Visit us today at 2885 SW 3rd Ave, Suite 100, Miami, FL 33129 or or book an appointment now!
