Know someone born in the 7th month? They’ve got a few advantages
If you were born in July or have a little one with a July birthday, keep reading because summer babies, particularly people born in July, are good leaders, creative, and often left-handed. July babies also share a birth month with Princess Diana, Robin Williams, Jennifer Lopez, and so many more.
People born in July are either Cancer or Leo.
People born June 21-July 22 are born under the sign of Cancer. They are highly intuitive and like their celestial animal, the crab, tend to have a hard outer shell that can be hard to penetrate, so they can be slow to open up to others. People born July 22-Aug 22 are born under the sign of Leo. Full of passion and vivacity, Leos love to be in the spotlight. They are known for their ambition and bravery.
They are funny—and super-devoted to their families.
Astrologically speaking, babies born in July are known to be devoted family members, especially if they are Cancer. You know what that means, Mom and Dad? Your darling baby bundle will grow up to be a caring kid… and a loyal adult child. They’ll always be there to help you (and their siblings) out, even when they have a family of their own.
They may not see you, though.
Get your vision insurance plans in order. An Israeli study of 300,000 military applicants found that June and July babies have a higher risk of suffering from short-sightedness. According to the study, the more sunlight a newborn is exposed to, the higher the risk of myopia (short-sightedness). But it’s not all bad news. Lead researcher Michael Belkin of Tel Aviv University said there’s a simple solution to help summer-born eyes: Sunglasses (which are, by the way, totally adorable on babies).
They’re happier.
Summer baby = happy grown-up? Possibly, according to a Vanderbilt University study that suggests babies born in the summer are less likely to be depressed than their winter-born counterparts. Researchers believe the happy quotient may have to do with a newborn’s “biological clock” being permanently stamped by the summer’s light cycle. In other words: They start sunny… and stay that way!
They are good leaders.
People who are Leos are known for their strength, optimism, and refusal to accept. They often inspire others and tend to take charge in the workplace, all traits of a good leader.
The July birthstone is Ruby.
Rubies are one of the gemstones that are often read about in history. They symbolize wealth and prosperity, and passion. Medieval Europeans often wore rubies, as they were seen as a sign of prosperity. Ancient Hindus would offer rubies to the god Krishna in hopes of being reborn as an emperor.
July babies are often left-handed.
Of the 10% of left-handed people in the world, according to this study, many of them are born in July. The reason? They aren’t quite sure.
The back-to-school season can be one of the most hectic times of any family’s year. Sliding off of summer and into a new routine doesn’t come easy, and the list of what you need to do and buy can even seem overwhelming. Set yourself up for success by working ahead. Here are three easy things you can start now that will take a little of the back-to-school stress off your back.
Buy Supplies Gradually
Back-to-school time can put a dent in your household budget in a hurry. While you may not know your child’s exact classroom supply list or shoe size (they grow so fast) months in advance, there are certain things you know that you buy every year. Get a bin and label it “Back to School 2022-23” and buy a few things here and there.
Think about things big and small, such as:
No. 2 Pencils; sandwich bags; a backpack; socks; a lunchbox; crayons, markers or colored pencils; teacher gifts; hand sanitizer; tissues.
Book Appointments Early
Most kids get a physical once a year near their birthday but before school starts there are a handful of appointments you will want to have lined up in advance for the month or two before the first day, including vaccines, dental exams and eye exams.
One big reason to schedule your child’s eye exam: Myopia, whose primary symptom is blurry distance vision, is on the rise—in both frequency and severity.1 Earlier detection means earlier treatment.MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses are the first and only soft contact lenses designed for myopia control and FDA approved* to slow the progression of myopia in children, aged 8 to 12 at the initiation of treatment.2† Practicing during the summer will give your little one time to prepare for putting in their contacts during the school year, but in a clinical study, MiSight® 1 day was easy for children to remove from the start: 97% found lens removal easy at one week, improving to 100% by one month!³
Practice Your Route
Whether you’re going to drive every day, take the bus or they will be walking, familiarize your kids, and yourself, with the route to school. This can be especially critical if changing schools, such as the leap from preschool to elementary or elementary to middle school.
If you’re going to walk: Use it as an excuse to do a family stroll. It doesn’t matter what day or time you walk, at first it’s just about getting used to the things you’ll see. Talk about landmarks and observe things that will make the children see it as a pleasurable experience. As you get even closer to back-to-school time, start the walk closer to the actual commute time to adjust to the soon-to-be routine.
If you’re driving: Start driving the route now and again for fun. Pick out songs that will be morning and afternoon commute songs. Hand the kids a stopwatch and have them time the route. Talk about the things you see outside, and how they change over the seasons.
If they’re taking the bus: If it’s possible, try to drive the bus route. Make it a regular activity, and again, ask the kids what they see out the window. Say things like, “When you’re on the school bus, what will you see at this corner?” This can help reduce anxiety when they actually get on the bus. Pretend to be the driver and enforce bus rules.
If you don’t have access to a car, pretend-play the bus scenario. Even if your children have taken the bus before, acting out the school bus trip can be an anxiety-reducing activity to throw in the mix a few times over the spring and summer before the next school year. Take turns being the driver, put on backpacks and play-act climbing on the bus. Make a game of it!
Of course, going back to school will be different for each child, but whenever possible it will benefit everyone to think ahead in terms of what you need physically, and mentally, to be prepared for a brand new year.
Indications and Important Safety Information.
Rx only
Results may vary.
ATTENTION: Reference the Patient Information Booklet for a complete listing of Indications and Important Safety Information. *Indication: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters(spherical equivalent) with 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal. Warnings: Problems with contact lenses could result in serious injury to the eye. Do not expose contact lenses to water while wearing them. Under certain circumstances MiSight® lenses optical design can cause reduced image contrast/ghosting/halo/glare in some patients that may cause difficulties with certain visually demanding tasks. Precautions: Daily wear single use only. Patient should always dispose when lenses are removed. No overnight wear. Patients should exercise extra care if performing potentially hazardous activities. Adverse events: Including but not limited to infection/inflammation/ulceration/abrasion of the cornea, other parts of the eye or eyelids. Some of these adverse reactions can cause permanent or temporary loss of vision. If you notice any of the stated in your child, immediately have your child remove the lenses and contact your eye care professional.
†Compared to a single vision 1 day lens over a 3 year period.
1 4 Holden BA, et al. Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology. 2016;123(5):1036-42.
2 Chamberlain P, et al. A 3-year randomized clinical trial of MiSight® lenses for myopia control. Optom Vis Sci. 2019; 96(8):556-567.
³ Children new to contact lens wear aged 8-12 Sulley A et al, Wearer experience and subjective responses with dual focus compared to spherical, single vision soft contact lenses in children during a 3-year clinical trial. AAO 2019 Poster Presentation
We all love our digital devices to help us stay connected, but unfortunately not all screen time is created equal. And too much screen time, can play a negative role in your child’s eye health.
Treehouse Eyes specializes in myopia care just for kids. Learn more about Treehouse Eyes here!
The rate of childhood myopia is on the rise, with 1 in 3 children now affected in the U.S. To make matters worse, recent studies show that half the world will be myopic by 2050.
This eye disease, where the eyeball grows too long, is becoming more common in children, showing up at earlier ages and progressing more rapidly. Many factors, including genetics, can contribute to myopia. Researchers believe that reduced outdoor time coupled with an increase in screen time on devices may be part of the problem.
Myopia causes blurry distance vision, making it hard to see images and objects in the distance—from a clock on the wall to the TV across the room. Among other signs, you may notice your child holding a book close to his face, squinting more frequently or complaining of headaches. While glasses and contacts can help a child see clearly, they don’t treat the underlying issue or prevent vision from continuing to worsen.
If left untreated, children with myopia may be at a significantly higher risk for retinal detachment, cataracts, glaucoma and other serious eye-health complications as they grow. But don’t panic if you’ve resorted to screen time more than usual during the pandemic. There’s good news: early intervention is key and it makes a difference!
Head to a nearby Treehouse Eyes location near you for a free consultation!
With the school year winding down and summer on the horizon, now is the perfect time to proactively get your child’s eyes checked at Treehouse Eyes. The first eye care provider dedicated exclusively to treating myopic children, the Treehouse Vision System treatment plan is non-invasive, includes overnight customized lenses, day-time soft lenses and special prescription eye drops—proven to slow or stop the progression of myopia in children.
The leading provider of myopia management treatments for children in the U.S., Treehouse Eyes doctors utilize the latest equipment and clinical training to diagnose myopia and recommend a customized treatment plan for your child. Children treated by Treehouse Eyes doctors using the Treehouse Vision System (the Treehouse Eyes patent-pending protocol) show on average a 78% decrease in the progression of their myopia. Treehouse is also one of the first organizations to adopt ACUVUE® Abiliti™ Overnight Therapeutic Lenses that are specifically designed to match your child's eye based on its unique corneal shape, to temporarily reshape the cornea.*
There are even more benefits to your kiddo’s well-being once they start treatment. Children have reported better focus at school, increased performance in activities and more self-confidence. Now that’s the kind of trifecta parents like to see (pun intended!).
Learn how Treehouse Eyes can help your child preserve their best vision now, and reduce their risks for myopia-related eye diseases in the future. Book a free consultation at a location near you!
Your kids are the light of your life, so it can be hard to imagine that your amazing, beautiful, vibrant kiddo might have low self-esteem. Raising a confident child can be hard, but there are a few tactics seasoned parents use to instill a strong sense of self-worth in their kids from a young age. We know that no two children are alike, and there is no one-size-fits-all for parenting. We hope this list helps you pick and choose what works for your kiddos.
1. Model Self-Acceptance
If ever there’s a time to silence your inner critic, it’s in front of children. Kids are sponges and they absorb all of the things we do and say in front of them. In other words, if you don’t want your kids standing in front of a mirror saying their stomach is poochy, don’t do it to yourself. And this doesn’t just apply to physical appearance. Praise yourself once in a while in front of them, with real-life, concrete examples: “I got ready so fast today I was early to work,” or “I really had a great solution at work today, and I am so proud of me.”
2. Help Them Find Their Thing
Encouraging your child to find an activity they really enjoy and can gradually improve at is great for confidence. Anything with measurable improvements, such as a physical sport or a musical instrument, can provide clear examples of how something that is hard can become easier with practice. Experiment with trial and error (see letting your kids fail below). It can take a child a while to find “their thing” and that thing can change with age.
3. And Encourage Them to Stick With It
There’s a difference between something that's painfully difficult and anxiety-inducing and something that is hard. While you don’t want to force your children to do something that negatively affects their mental health, encouraging them to work at it even when it doesn’t come easy will lead to a feeling of great accomplishment.
And even if something isn’t a fit now, they can always try again. For example, your child might struggle to get through a piano lesson at age 5 but love it when they try again at age 10.
4. Listen to Them
Even if you want your child to keep at something, let them express their feelings about it honestly, and tell them you hear them. As the parent, you can evaluate if this is a situation in which they want to give up because they are feeling discouraged, or if it’s something bigger or potentially dangerous, and act accordingly—but in the moment, let your child be honest and acknowledge their feelings. Tell them you will come up with a solution together. Knowing they are heard means they know their opinion is valuable.
This can also be enforced in something as simple as dinner conversation. Let your child have the floor, and don't interrupt when it's their turn, just as you wouldn't want them interrupting you.
5. Get an Eye Exam
You might not think eyesight and confidence are connected, but it’s not uncommon for children to have vision problems before their parents notice. Not being able to properly see the board, screen or other teaching materials at school can make kids feel like they are “not getting it” or add to confusion. For very young children, they may not even know why they are feeling this way, which can lead to frustration.
In addition, if your child is having trouble concentrating at school, struggling with concepts or seems disinterested, especially if this is a new behavior, it could be a sign of eye problems. More than 40 percent of Americans have myopia¹, and in North America, the prevalence of myopia is expected to increase to 58% by the year 2050.²MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses are the first and only soft contact lenses designed for myopia control and FDA approved* to slow the progression of myopia in children, aged 8 to 12 at the initiation of treatment.³† And, after using MiSight® 1 day contact lenses for three years, 90% of age-appropriate children still strongly preferred them over their glasses.⁴
6. Let Your Kids Take Risks
This one can be incredibly hard for parents and caregivers because our instinct is to protect our children. Naturally, we’re not talking about risky or dangerous behavior, but there are everyday risks that may seem small to grown-ups but are a big deal to kids. Being able to pour their own milk, even if there’s a risk of major spilling involved, is just one example. The milk doesn’t spill: they are proud of themselves. The milk does spill: they need to find a solution to clean it up.
7. Give Them Responsibilities
Allow your children to contribute to the household with age-appropriate chores and responsibilities. This will not only help you, but it will let them know youbelieve they can do it.
Offering specific, meaningful praise will give them even more confidence, plus the desire to keep up with those responsibilities. From telling a 3-year-old “I like how you quickly you cleaned up your toys,” to playfully reminding your tween, “I believe in your ability to fold laundry!” keep the examples relevant to the job at hand.
8. Let Them Fail
We won’t lie: it can be devastating to watch your child fail, especially when it is something they have their heart set on. This one can be incredibly hard for parents and caregivers because our instinct is to protect our children.
Auditioning for a school play, trying out for a team, talking to a new person at school, even taking an exam are all healthy risks that can come with big rewards, but they can also come with failure. And as hard as it is to hold a crying child who wanted to make the team, the resilience it builds will go a long way when facing tougher stuff as adults.
Another example of letting them fail ties in with personal responsibility. Yes, you want your kids to get good grades and do well at school, but if they don’t do their project on time, they will face the consequences. Failing to do a good job can encourage them to be motivated to not fail again.
9. Arrange a Physical
You’re a pro at the well-baby checks, but every year when your child gets their physical, it isn’t just about their growth chart. Confident kids know that their body is their own. Particularly as children advance to tween years, having a safe place with a trusted adult outside the home to talk about any health concerns, mentally and physically, will give them a sense of control over their own bodies.
10. Accept Imperfection
It's okay if they put their clothes away lopsided or their handwriting isn't great. Practice may not make perfect, but it will make improvements. Instead of stressing about little everyday imperfections, in yourself, your life and your kids, leave the dishes in the sink, the flyaway hair flying and go outside and play. Yes, we mean you, parents!
Indications and Important Safety Information.
Rx only
Results may vary.
ATTENTION: Reference the Patient Information Booklet for a complete listing of Indications and Important Safety Information. *Indication: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters(spherical equivalent) with 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal. Warnings: Problems with contact lenses could result in serious injury to the eye. Do not expose contact lenses to water while wearing them. Under certain circumstances MiSight® lenses optical design can cause reduced image contrast/ghosting/halo/glare in some patients that may cause difficulties with certain visually demanding tasks. Precautions: Daily wear single use only. Patient should always dispose when lenses are removed. No overnight wear. Patients should exercise extra care if performing potentially hazardous activities. Adverse events: Including but not limited to infection/inflammation/ulceration/abrasion of the cornea, other parts of the eye or eyelids. Some of these adverse reactions can cause permanent or temporary loss of vision. If you notice any of the stated in your child, immediately have your child remove the lenses and contact your eye care professional.
†Compared to a single vision 1 day lens over a 3 year period.
¹ Vitale S, Sperduto RD, Ferris FL 3rd. Increased prevalence of myopia in the United States between 1971-1972 and 1999-2004. Arch Ophthalmol. 2009;127(12):1632-1639. doi:10.1001/archophthalmol.2009.303
² Holden BA, Fricke TR, Wilson DA, et al. Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology. 2016;123(5):1036-1042. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2016.01.006
³ Chamberlain P, et al. A 3-year randomized clinical trial of MiSight® lenses for myopia control. Optom Vis Sci. 2019; 96(8):556-567.
⁴ Sulley A et al. Wearer experience and subjective responses with dual focus compared to spherical, single vision soft contact lenses in children during a 3-year clinical trial. AAO 2019 Poster Presentation.
When they’re babies you do everything for them, but that stage doesn’t last forever. Before you know it, your toddler is shouting, “I do it self!” Raising independent kids who can accept personal responsibility means future adults that do the same. But how do we manage our expectations of our kids in an age-appropriate way and balance that with our instincts to make sure everything is okay? Here are five parent-friendly tips for helping teach kids independence.
1. Make Expectations Clear (and Visual!)
Whether your child is four or fourteen, a visual reminder of daily routines and schedules will work as a prompt. With younger kids, rewards are frequently part of establishing a routine but even as kids get older, a to-do list will give them a sense of control. Whether it’s a simple whiteboard with weekly tasks or a rainbow sticker covered chore chart, find something that fits your family and your child’s personality.
2. Keep Supplies Handy
Help kids help themselves by making sure the things they need to achieve their tasks are within easy reach. Put healthy snacks in a bin in the pantry they can reach themselves when they are hungry. Make sure things like toothpaste, face wash, washcloths, contact lens solution and hairbrushes are all somewhere easy to grab (and replenish) when they need it.
3. Make It Achievable & Age-Appropriate
Giving a toddler a basket of laundry to fold is not going to help anyone (although it does keep them occupied for a while!). So, make sure your child’s daily to-dos are age-appropriate. By asking them to do things that are manageable, they will quickly gain a sense of accomplishment and independence.
For example, children who are 5 or 6 can do things like get the mail, feed the pets and set the table. Most kids after age 3 or 4 can perform basic hygiene rituals, like brushing their teeth and washing their face, without the aid of a grown-up.
If your child starts to wear contact lenses they can learn to both insert and remove the lenses themselves. This may seem tricky at first because they are literally putting something in their eye, but with practice, they’ll have the hang of it in no time, and they’ll be proud of themselves to boot! In fact, 9 of 10 children as young as 8 years old are able to insert and remove their lenses on their own.¹ If your age-appropriate child wears contact lenses, make it easier on your kids by giving them daily-wear lenses, like MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses, that can be used just once and then disposed of, saving them the additional steps of cleaning and soaking the lenses.
4. Be Patient
We’ve all been in that situation where you’re running late and it takes about ten million minutes for your kid to tie their shoe. While your instinct is to just do it for them and get going, try to build your daily schedule with time to allow them to do these things themself. If you know they take extra time to tie their shoes, wake them up 10 minutes early, or better yet tell them it’s 10 minutes later than it really is. Whether it's contact lenses, remembering their lunch or clearing their plate, gentle reminders are different than taking over. Parents and caregivers are human, and we’re not going to be patient all the time, but the more you allow your child to take care of things themself, the more independent and confident they will become.
5. Let the Small Stuff Go
From mismatched outfits to messy hair to the crooked little way they made their bed, try to think of the bigger picture before you take over. If every time your kid makes their bed you send the signal that they didn’t do a good enough job, they will feel like they can’t do it. If instead, every time they make their bed, no matter how wrinkly or crooked, you can look at it with gratitude that you didn’t have to do it for them, they will feel like they are doing it right.
As parents, the more we can embrace the imperfections and not let the many, many, messy moments bother us, the more our children will gain independence. And if you need it to be neater, do it when they aren’t looking.
Indications and Important Safety Information.
Rx only
Results may vary.
ATTENTION: Reference the Patient Information Booklet for a complete listing of Indications and Important Safety Information. *Indication: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters(spherical equivalent) with 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal. Warnings: Problems with contact lenses could result in serious injury to the eye. Do not expose contact lenses to water while wearing them. Under certain circumstances MiSight® lenses optical design can cause reduced image contrast/ghosting/halo/glare in some patients that may cause difficulties with certain visually demanding tasks. Precautions: Daily wear single use only. Patient should always dispose when lenses are removed. No overnight wear. Patients should exercise extra care if performing potentially hazardous activities. Adverse events: Including but not limited to infection/inflammation/ulceration/abrasion of the cornea, other parts of the eye or eyelids. Some of these adverse reactions can cause permanent or temporary loss of vision. If you notice any of the stated in your child, immediately have your child remove the lenses and contact your eye care professional.
¹ By 1 month. As reported by parents. REF: CVI data on file 2018. MiSight 1 day 3-year study report.
Ah, mornings. While days off of school and work can be cuddly and leisurely, weekdays can be the exact opposite. Avoid morning stress and the constant cries of “We’re late!” by giving your kids a morning routine they can follow. While nothing is going to be perfect, here are a few tips that are sure to help.
1. Set an Alarm
Setting a consistent bedtime each night is a precursor for success in the morning. To help kids establish a regular wake-up time, an alarm clock that they can use and set themselves is a thing of beauty. (Here are 18). If a blaring noise or music will just make your kid grumpy, consider a gradual-light alarm that slowly increases the light in the room for a more natural “waking up in the sunshine” feel.
2. Make a Chart
It can be as simple as a list on a piece of paper taped to their door or a magnetic routine chart in a place they'll pass every morning, but having a visual cue will help bleary-eyed kids remember what is next. Don’t underestimate how simple and straightforward it can be. Example:
Brush Teeth
Wash Hands
Wash Face
Put in Contact Lenses
Eat Breakfast
Grab Lunch
Find Boots
3. Make it Simple for Them to Stay Healthy & Hygienic
Good hygiene is important to every parent. Keep contact lenses and solution, washcloths, toothpaste refill, hair grooming supplies, hand soap refills, etc. on a shelf where kids can easily reach what they need.
Some products are inherently easier to keep clean and sanitary. For example, if your age-appropriate child wears contact lenses, single-use lenses like MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses mean your little one won’t need to clean lenses each night. You may be surprised to hear that 42% of children aged 5 to 19 have myopia¹, also known as nearsightedness. MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses not only correct vision immediately², but are the first and only soft contact lenses designed for myopia control and are FDA approved* to slow the progression of myopia in children, aged 8 to 12 at the initiation of treatment.³†
4. Get Things Ready the Night Before
Ever noticed how morning seems to go by really fast, especially when you’re trying to get to school (and work) on time? Don’t leave everything to those precious early minutes. Have your child help as you get things as grab-and-go as possible. Here are a few things you can do:
Pick out clothes the night before, including finding shoes.
Make lunches.
Pack homework into bags and backpacks and then leave near the door or another easy-to-see place.
Prep breakfast (overnight oatsanyone?) or have healthy grab-and-go options if possible.
Try doing this as part of your bedtime routine. Have the kids put on their pajamas and run around getting things ready or prompt them 15 minutes before bedtime.
5. Get Yourself Ready First
You may have heard this one before but we’re going to say it again. Get up 20 to 30 minutes before your kids need to wake, and take that time to get yourself ready. Whether that’s stretching, having coffee, spacing out, showering or just getting dressed, if you have a jumpstart on your own morning routine, you won’t be as stressed about theirs. And get your stuff ready the night before, too, if you can.
Indications and Important Safety Information.
Rx only
Results may vary.
ATTENTION: Reference the Patient Information Booklet for a complete listing of Indications and Important Safety Information. *Indication: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters(spherical equivalent) with 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal. Warnings: Problems with contact lenses could result in serious injury to the eye. Do not expose contact lenses to water while wearing them. Under certain circumstances MiSight® lenses optical design can cause reduced image contrast/ghosting/halo/glare in some patients that may cause difficulties with certain visually demanding tasks. Precautions: Daily wear single use only. Patient should always dispose when lenses are removed. No overnight wear. Patients should exercise extra care if performing potentially hazardous activities. Adverse events: Including but not limited to infection/inflammation/ulceration/abrasion of the cornea, other parts of the eye or eyelids. Some of these adverse reactions can cause permanent or temporary loss of vision. If you notice any of the stated in your child, immediately have your child remove the lenses and contact your eye care professional.
†Compared to a single vision 1 day lens over a 3 year period.
¹ Theophanous C, Modjtahedi BS, Batech M, Marlin DS, Luong TQ, Fong DS. Myopia prevalence and risk factors in children. Clin Ophthalmol. 2018;12:1581-1587. Published 2018 Aug 29. doi:10.2147/OPTH.S164641
² Rah MJ, et al. Vision specific quality of life of pediatric contact lens wearers. Optom Vis Sci2010;87(8):560-6.
³ Chamberlain P, et al. A 3-year randomized clinical trial of MiSight® lenses for myopia control. Optom Vis Sci. 2019; 96(8):556-567.
Parents, we know you’ve got your team colors on and your blankets ready for those crisp Saturdays on the sideline. But before sports are in full swing, there are a few things you’ll want to do to have the best season ever. Read on for seven tips for prepping your kids for this year’s activities.
This post is sponsored by Smithfield Foods’ family of brands, including Smithfield®, Nathan’s Famous®, Eckrich® and Carando®. Whether your children are just coming home from practice or are looking for a quick bite after school, Smithfield has recipes for every occasion and every meal of the day. Check out their recipe generator to discover your next meal-time inspiration.
1. Make Sure You Sign Up Early
Talk with your child about what sports they want to play this year: Are they ready to try something new? Do they want to do a team sport, or do they prefer martial arts? Active, willing participation from your kids is an essential part of getting ready for the season.
2. Talk about Expectations
Every family, and every child, is different. It’s important to maintain a balance of what is achievable (How often is practice? Who will get your child to and from practice?) and what will exhaust everyone in the family before the season even ends. Take a look at your family calendar and talk about what will work for everyone, including you as the parent. It’s also a good idea to set clear academic expectations about homework, school projects and game days.
3. Get the Gear
Team jerseys, protective gear such as shin guards and mouth guards and proper footwear are just a few things to put on your shopping list. Talk to other parents in your neighborhood or try consignment sporting goods stores to find deals on gently used equipment.
4. Get an Annual Comprehensive Eye Exam
Make sure the “eye” in hand-eye coordination is at the forefront of your list by scheduling your child’s annual comprehensive eye exam. In particular, children who develop myopia, whose primary symptom is blurry distance vision (nearsightedness) can struggle in sports or other extracurricular activities. Make sure their eyes are healthy and talk to your eye doctor if your age-appropriate child is a candidate for MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses. Designed for myopia control, they are the first and only FDA-approved* product proven to slow myopia progression in children, aged 8-12 at the initiation of treatment.†1Children who wear contact lenses have a significantly better quality of life than kids wearing glasses, especially when it comes to athletics and appearance.5
5. Stock Up on Healthy Snacks
Make sure their gear bag has a spot for high-protein, low sugar snacks that are great for grab-and-go before and after games. You’ll want a high-quality water bottle, too, to make sure your children stay properly hydrated.
6. Schedule a Physical
If you haven’t already had their annual pediatrician’s visit, schedule your child for a well-child checkup before the start of any sports season to make sure they are clear for any activities. Your doctor can also discuss the warning signs of concussions and how to manage them.
7. Have Fun!
Take the time not just to attend games, but practice those skills with your child—it’s okay if you’re not the most amazing pitcher, your child might enjoy that just as much. Stay active with them and make the most of the beautiful weather. And don’t forget your camera!
Children have a language all their own, which doesn’t always include the words to express if there is a more significant medical issue at play. When it comes to vision, your child might not realize that they aren’t “seeing well.” In children, it is much more common for vision problems to manifest in small ways. If you’re wondering if your child is experiencing vision issues, check out these six common signs.
Research shows that insufficient time spent outdoors and prolonged time spent reading, playing or working with digital devices and poor lighting may influence the development of myopia.1-3
Myopia, if you didn’t know, is when you experience blurry distance vision largely because the eye is longer than it should be. Plus, genetics and environmental factors influence myopia’s progression.4 Myopia requires ongoing monitoring because myopia can get worse as a child grows. In addition to updating their eye prescription, it can lead to long-term eye health impacts such as retinal detachment, maculopathy or glaucoma.5,6
Good news for parents: MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses are designed for myopia control and are FDA approved* to slow the progression of myopia in children, aged 8-12 at the initiation of treatment.†7
1. They Avoid Reading
Your little bookworm isn’t as interested in reading, and it’s not just the summer slide. If you have a child who normally can’t get enough of their favorite books and now appears disinterested, it could be because reading is uncomfortable due to eye focusing or eye teaming challenges.
2. They Move Closer to Things to See Well
If a child is experiencing myopia—whose primary symptom is blurry distance vision—this could manifest as moving closer to the TV or not being able to recognize faces or see signs from afar.
3. They Seem to Understand the School Concepts but Still Struggle to Keep Up, Especially with in-School Work or Projects
If your child’s teacher lets you know they are not keeping up in class, it might not be because they don’t understand the concepts. It can simply be that they cannot see the work or the teacher’s written explanation clearly. For some children, textbooks, worksheets and computer screens can look blurry, making it difficult to read. This can be because of their prescription or struggling to change focus.
4. They Seem Extra or Easily Frustrated
Any and all of the above can lead to feelings of frustration and low self-esteem in children, which can manifest in ways that aren’t necessarily related to school. If your otherwise pleasant child is now a nightmare at dinner time or flies off the handle at the slightest critique, it may be a sign that a bigger issue is at play. (It may also be a sign you have tweenager!)
5. They Squint!
While making a squishy little face can be cute, if your child is doing this frequently, especially if you’re holding something up for them to see, this is a sign that they are having trouble seeing objects at a distance.
6. Poor Hand-Eye Coordination
If there’s a marked decline in your child’s hand-eye coordination, especially noticeable in sports, playing musical instruments or other hands-on activities, it could mean they are experiencing vision problems.
If your child is struggling with a number of these common signs, it might be time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an eye care professional near you. During the appointment you can discuss if MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses are right for them. They’re designed for myopia control and are FDA approved* to slow the progression of myopia in children, aged 8-12 at the initiation of treatment.†7
RX Only
Results May Vary.
ATTENTION: Reference the Patient Information Booklet for a complete listing of Indications and Important Safety Information. *Indications: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have a refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters(spherical equivalent) with ≤ 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal. Warnings: Problems with contact lenses could result in serious injury to the eye. Do not expose contact lenses to water while wearing them. Under certain circumstances MiSight® lenses optical design can cause reduced image contrast/ghosting/halo/glare in some patients that may cause difficulties with certain visually-demanding tasks. Precautions: Daily wear single use only. Patient should always dispose when lenses are removed. No overnight wear. Patients should exercise extra care if performing potentially hazardous activities. Adverse events: Including but not limited to infection/inflammation/ulceration/abrasion of the cornea, other parts of the eye or eyelids. Some of these adverse reactions can cause permanent or temporary loss of vision. If you notice any of the stated in your child, immediately have your child remove the lenses and contact your eye care professional.
† Compared to a single vision 1 day lens over a 3 year period.
References:
Gifford P, Gifford, K L. The Future of Myopia Control Contact Lenses. Opt Vis Sci. 2016;93(4):336-43
Rose KA, Morgan IG, Ip J, et al. Outdoor Activity Reduces the Prevalence of Myopia in Children. Ophthalmology 2008;115(8):1279-85.
Wolffsohn JS, Calossi A, Cho P, et al. Global Trends in Myopia Management Attitudes and Strategies in ClinicalPractice. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2016;39(2):106-16.
Morgan P. Is Myopia Control the Next Contact Lens Revolution? OPTICIAN 2016
Xu L, Wang Y, Wang S, Wang Y Jonas JB. ‘High Myopia and Glaucoma Susceptibility: The Beijing Eye Study. Ophthalmology, 2007;114(2):216-20.
Flitcroft DI. The complex interactions of retinal, optical, and environmental factors in myopia aetiology Prog Retin Eye Res. 2012;31(6):622-660.
Chamberlain P et al A 3-year Randomized Clinical Trial of MiSight Lenses for Myopia Control. Optom Vis Sci 2019;96:556-567
With the new school year in full swing, now is the time to take your child to the eye doctor for an annual comprehensive eye exam. There’s nothing worse than your child not being able to learn from the classroom whiteboard or enjoy sports activities because they can’t see clearly. Odds are, your child’s routine has changed quite a bit over the past year. You may have found your family spending more time on digital devices and reading along with less time outdoors.
Studies have found that lifestyle factors such as these may have an impact on the development of myopia, whose primary symptom is blurry distance vision.¹⁻³ In addition, children often don’t know their eyesight isn’t 20/20 because it’s all that they know, so it’s up to you to take your child to the eye doctor to find out.
What is Myopia?
Myopia is a very common eye condition. On average, 42% of children age 5 to 19 have myopia.⁵ Your family history also plays a role in whether your child will develop myopia; the odds of a child developing this eye condition is increased by three times with one parent having myopia, and the odds of a child developing myopia is six times as likely if both parents have myopia. 6,7
What are the treatments for myopia?
When children are diagnosed with myopia, glasses are a common next step. While glasses will help a child with myopia see the whiteboard more clearly, they’re not able to impact the long-term progression of their myopia. As myopia worsens, the child’s glasses prescription will get higher. If left untreated, myopia can lead to sight-threatening conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts.⁸ Fortunately, now there is FDA-approved* MiSight® 1 day myopia control soft contact lenses to slow the progression of myopia in children, aged 8-12 at the initiation of treatment.†4 Read on to see how MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses work, and if this product may be a fit for your age-appropriate child!
How Does MiSight® 1 day Work?
MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses feature ActivControl® Technology which utilizes an innovative concentric ring design to correct blurred distance vision while slowing the elongation of the eyeball. Children should wear the lenses for a minimum of 10 hours a day, 6 days a week for best results and should continue using the contact lenses until their eyes stop growing and the prescription stabilizes as directed by their eye care professional.⁴
You’re probably wondering whether contact lenses are right for your child. Your eye doctor will show you and your child how to care for the lenses and insert and remove them safely. Though you may not think your child will be able to use contact lenses, we can assure you that children learn how to insert contact lenses fairly quickly, with 85 percent of them finding it easy to insert after just one month!⁹
Hear Addy’s Story
Addy, an eight and a half year old who was diagnosed with myopia when she was in kindergarten, began controlling her myopia using MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses. Addy’s mom has myopia, and Addy’s myopia had progressed quickly. Putting in the contact lenses took her a little while to learn, but with a little practice, she got the hang of it and now wears her contacts almost every day to slow her myopia.⁴
“It was such an easy option,” says Addy’s mom, “and the contacts give her more freedom so she doesn’t have to deal with glasses. I love everything about it!”
Learn more about MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses by speaking to a certified Brilliant Futures™ eye care professional in your area. Click here to find a doctor.
Indications and Important Safety Information
Rx only
Results may vary.
ATTENTION: Reference the Patient Information Booklet for a complete listing of Indications and Important Safety Information. *Indication: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have a refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters(spherical equivalent) with ≤ 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal. Warnings: Problems with contact lenses could result in serious injury to the eye. Do not expose contact lenses to water while wearing them. Under certain circumstances MiSight® lenses optical design can cause reduced image contrast/ghosting/halo/glare in some patients that may cause difficulties with certain visually-demanding tasks. Precautions: Daily wear single use only. Patient should always dispose when lenses are removed. No overnight wear. Patients should exercise extra care if performing potentially hazardous activities.Adverseevents: Including but not limited to infection/inflammation/ulceration/abrasion of the cornea, other parts of the eye or eyelids. Some of these adverse reactions can cause permanent or temporary loss of vision. If you notice any of the stated in your child, immediately have your child remove the lenses and contact your eye care professional.
†Compared to a single vision 1 day lens over a 3 year period.
References:
1.Gifford P, Gifford, K L. The Future of Myopia Control Contact Lenses. Opt Vis Sci. 2016;93(4):336-43.
2.Wolffsohn JS, Calossi A, Cho P, et al. Global Trends in Myopia Management Attitudes and Strategies in ClinicalPractice. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2016;39(2):106-16
3.Rose KA, Morgan IG, Ip J, et al. Outdoor Activity Reduces the Prevalence of Myopia in Children. Ophthalmology 2008;115(8):1279-85.
4.Chamberlain P, et al. A 3-year randomized clinical trial of MiSight® lenses for myopia control. Optom Vis Sci. 2019; 96(8): 556-567.
5.Vitale S, Sperduto RD, Ferris FL 3rd. Increased prevalence of myopia in the United States between 1971-1972 and 1999-2004. Arch Ophthalmol. 2009;127(12):1632-1639. doi:10.1001/archophthalmol.2009.303
6.Jiang X, Tarczy-Hornoch K, Cotter SA, et al. Association of Parental Myopia With Higher Risk of Myopia Among Multiethnic Children Before School Age [published online ahead of print, 2020 Mar 19]. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2020;138(5):1-9.
7.Mutti DO, Mitchell GL, Moeschberger ML, Jones LA, Zadnik K. Parental myopia, near work, school achievement, and children’s refractive error. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2002;43(12):3633-3640. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2020.0412.
8.Flitcroft DI. The complex interactions of retinal, optical and environmental factors in myopia aetiology. Prog Retin Eye Res. 2012;31(6):622-660. doi:10.1016/j.preteyeres.2012.06.004.
9.Sulley A et al, Wearer experience and subjective responses with dual focus compared to spherical, single vision soft contact lenses in children during a 3-year clinical trial. AAO 2019 Poster Presentation.
You’ve picked out a new backpack and finally got them to sit still for that back-to-school haircut. Whether your children are taking on the 2021-22 school year in person, online or both, they’re going to need a comprehensive eye exam. Read on to find out why you shouldn’t skip this critical step in getting your little scholars ready for the new school year.
Did you know that myopia, whose primary symptom is blurred distance vision, is on the rise—in its frequency and its severity?1 As your child grows, their myopia is likely to get worse over time, and can further impact their future eye health. Help is now available. MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses are specifically designed for myopia control and are FDA approved* to slow myopia progression in children, aged 8-12 at the initiation of treatment!†2
Good Vision Is Vital for Learning
Children who suffer from vision problems will often struggle in school. Sometimes you’ll notice they avoid reading or have trouble seeing the whiteboard or materials the teacher uses. Sometimes, their vision issues can even interfere with their extracurricular activities, like sports. So frustrating—imagine if you couldn’t see what everyone else could and you didn’t even realize it! Diagnosing a child with a vision condition early on is critical to their overall developmental success.
Early Diagnosis Is Key
Myopia, often referred to as nearsightedness, can result in the inability to see objects clearly at a distance, like the whiteboard at school. It often worsens during a child's growing years. But myopia is more than just not being able to see well. It can increase the risk of serious eye health complications and sight-threatening conditions later in life, such as risk for retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, and glaucoma.3-4
Prescriptions Can Change Year to Year
There’s a reason your child’s eye exam should be a yearly event: Children’s bodies can change quickly and so can their eyesight. Plus, children's eyes often show clinical signs of myopia even before the child experiences blurry vision, making the annual eye exam that much more important for early detection.5 Even children who did not exhibit any signs of decreased vision last year might need a prescription by the following school year. It’s important to compare changes year over year.
Increased Screen Time and Digital Devices Can Lead to Myopia
With the use of more computer screens in school, not to mention the increase in digital learning, children are online and on screens more than ever before. This can cause eye strain and can even affect their eye development, so getting those eyes checked at the beginning of the school year will help set them up for success.6
If You Have Myopia, Your Kids Might, Too
Studies show that children have a 1 in 2 chance of developing myopia if both parents have it; a 1 in 3 chance if one parent has it; and a 1 in 4 chance even if neither parent has myopia.3, 7-8 Other lifestyle factors, such as not enough outdoor time, poor lighting and increased digital screen time can influence myopia development in children.9-11
There Are Now More Options for Myopia
Like us, you probably didn't think contact lenses are an option for children. Through rigorous multi-year study, MiSight®1 day soft contact lenses on average slowed the progression of myopia by 59% in age-appropriate children.§2, 12And after six years, nearly one in four eyes originally fit with MiSight® 1 day had no progression of myopia.¶13These stunning results make MiSight® 1 day the breakthrough technology that was the first and only FDA approved* product for myopia control in children, aged 8-12 at the initiation of treatment.†2
Be sure to check this important item off your to-do list and get your child scheduled for an annual, comprehensive eye exam to make sure their school year is off to a brilliant start.
Indications and Important Safety Information.
Rx only Results may vary. ATTENTION: Reference the Patient Information Booklet for a complete listing of Indications and Important Safety Information. *Indication: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) so! (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters(spherical equivalent) with à 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded a!er each removal. Warnings: Problems with contact lenses could result in serious injury to the eye. Do not expose contact lenses to water while wearing them. Under certain circumstances MiSight® lenses optical design can cause reduced image contrast/ghosting/halo/glare in some patients that may cause difficulties with certain visually demanding tasks. Precautions: Daily wear single use only. Patient should always dispose when lenses are removed. No overnight wear. Patients should exercise extra care if performing potentially hazardous activities. Adverse events: Including but not limited to infection/inflammation/ulceration/abrasion of the cornea, other parts of the eye or eyelids. Some of these adverse reactions can cause permanent or temporary loss of vision. If you notice any of the stated in your child, immediately have your child remove the lenses and contact your eye care professional. †Compared to a single vision 1 day lens over a 3 year period.
§ Children aged 8-12 at the initiation of treatment. ¶ -0.25D or less of change. Lenses fitted between the ages of 8-12 at initiation of treatment.
Holden BA, et al. Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology. 2016;123(5):1036-42.
Chamberlain P, et al. A 3-year randomized clinical trial of MiSight® lenses for myopia control. Optom Vis Sci. 2019;96(8):556–567.
Xu L, Wang Y, Wang S, Wang Y Jonas JB. ‘High Myopia and Glaucoma Susceptibility: The Beijing Eye Study. Ophthalmology, 2007;114(2):216-20.
Flitcroft DI. The complex interactions of retinal, optical, and environmental factors in myopia aetiology Prog Retin Eye Res. 2012;31(6):622-660.
Mutti DO, Hayes JR, Mitchell GL, et al. Refractive error, axial length, and relative peripheral refractive error before and after the onset of myopia. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2007;48(6):2510-2519. doi:10.1167/iovs.06-0562
Lanca C, Saw SM. The association between digital screen time and myopia: A systematic review. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2020 Mar;40(2):216-229. doi: 10.1111/opo.12657. Epub 2020 Jan 13. PMID: 31943280.
Jiang X, Tarczy-Hornoch K, Cotter SA, et al. Association of Parental Myopia With Higher Risk of Myopia Among Multiethnic Children Before School Age [published online ahead of print, 2020 Mar 19]. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2020;138(5):1-9.
Morgan P. Is Myopia Control the Next Contact Lens Revolution? OPTICIAN 2016
Gifford P, Gifford, K L. The Future of Myopia Control Contact Lenses. Opt Vis Sci. 2016;93(4):336-43.
Rose KA, Morgan IG, Ip J, et al. Outdoor Activity Reduces the Prevalence of Myopia in Children. Ophthalmology 2008;115(8):1279-85.
Chee Wai WONG, M.D. M.C.I. Digital Screen Time During COVID-19 Pandemic: Risk for a Further Myopia Boom?. American Journal of Opthalmology. 2020.07.29
Rah MJ, et al. Vision specific quality of life of pediatric contact lens wearers. Optom Vis Sci2010;87(8):560-6.
Chamberlain P, et al. Myopia Progression in Children wearing Dual-Focus Contact Lenses: 6-year findings. Optom Vis Sci 2020;97(E-abstract):200038
