MiSight vs. Traditional Contact Lenses: What’s the Difference?

Myopia (nearsightedness) is becoming increasingly common among children. As more kids struggle to see clearly at a distance, parents are exploring safe and effective ways to manage the condition. At Metro Eye Care, our experienced eye doctors in Edwardsville, IL, offer a wide range of solutions to support healthy vision and help slow myopia progression when needed.

Two common options for children are traditional soft contact lenses and MiSight® 1 day lenses. While both can correct blurry distance vision, they are not the same. Understanding the differences can help you choose the right option for your child’s long-term visual health.

What Are Traditional Contact Lenses?

Traditional soft contact lenses are designed to correct refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. These lenses focus light properly on the retina, helping kids see clearly throughout the day.

Benefits of traditional contacts include:

• Clear and comfortable vision

• Good option for active children

• Available in daily, bi-weekly, and monthly options

However, traditional contact lenses only correct vision. They do not address the underlying issue of eye elongation, which is what causes myopia to worsen over time.

What Are MiSight® Contact Lenses?

MiSight® 1 day contact lenses are specifically designed for myopia management in Edwardsville. In addition to providing clear vision, they use a special optical design that helps slow the progression of myopia in children.

Key benefits of MiSight® lenses:

• Daily disposable for convenience and reduced infection risk

• Proven to slow myopia progression in many children

• Supports long-term visual development

• Helps reduce the risk of future eye disease associated with high myopia

MiSight® lenses are FDA-approved for children as young as 8 years old, making them a safe and effective option backed by clinical research.

How Do They Compare?

Both MiSight® lenses and traditional contact lenses offer clear and comfortable vision, but their purposes differ. Traditional contact lenses are mainly focused on correcting blurry distance vision, making them a reliable solution for kids with mild or stable refractive needs. They come in a variety of replacement schedules, including daily, bi-weekly, and monthly options, and can be suitable for patients of nearly any age.

MiSight® lenses, however, go beyond vision correction. Designed specifically for children and myopia control, these daily disposable lenses use advanced optics to help slow the progression of myopia as the eyes grow. Because they support long-term eye health and reduce the risks associated with high myopia later in life, they are often recommended for children who are still experiencing changes in their vision.

When deciding between the two, the biggest difference comes down to long-term benefits. While traditional contacts help kids see better today, MiSight® lenses are aimed at preserving healthier vision for the future.

Which Option Is Right for Your Child?

Every child’s eyes are unique. Some may do well with traditional contact lenses if their myopia is mild and stable. Others may benefit greatly from starting a myopia management program early - including MiSight® lenses, orthokeratology, or atropine eye drops. The best way to determine the right solution is through a comprehensive eye exam and consultation with our caring eye doctors in Edwardsville, IL.

Schedule a Myopia Evaluation Today

Traditional contact lenses are helpful for correcting vision, but they don’t slow myopia progression. MiSight® lenses offer a proactive approach that not only helps children see clearly but also supports healthier eyes as they grow.

If you’re considering contact lenses for your child or want to learn more about myopia management, schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Metro Eye Care and find the best option for your child’s needs. Visit our office in Edwardsville, Illinois, or call (618) 659-1900 today.