Are you looking for a way to make a positive impact and give back this season? Spread some holiday cheer to the kids and families of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® by participating in their third annual St. Jude Joy Drive.

Since it opened on Feb. 4, 1962, St. Jude has helped countless families. So much so, that treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% when they first opened their doors to more than 80% today.

To further its lifesaving mission, St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes freely, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. With assistance from generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.

While St. Jude has made great strides, there is still more to be done to find a cure for childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases—and that’s where you come in! Read on to learn more about how to spread holiday cheer for a good cause (and have fun while doing it)!

Spread some holiday cheer to the kids and families of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by participating in their third annual St. Jude Joy Drive. Visit their site to learn more and participate.

St. Jude patient Connor, who is diagnosed with medulloblastoma, pictured with his mother Brooke and father Christopher.

Throughout December, St. Jude is hosting the St. Jude Joy Drive—a social media-driven campaign that highlights St. Jude supporters through heartwarming and inspirational storytelling of why they continue to give to St. Jude.

To join them, share what brings you joy over the holidays on your social media account. To participate, simply post a video about what makes you light up during the festive season and why you donate and support St. Jude. Be sure to tag @stjudela, who will share it on their social media during the month of December. You can include your favorite traditions, activities, things to eat and drink, or a favorite memory.

Invite your friends, family and followers to share what they love about the holidays, and to give a suggested donation of $10, or whatever they can donate to St. Jude.

Spreading joy is an easy way to bring some holiday magic to families and children who are spending their holidays at the hospital. Help share the joy of the holidays from your heart with the kids of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by participating in the St. Jude Joy Drive and make a lasting difference!

Happy Holidays!

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!

*ACUVUE® Abiliti™

The Green Bay Packers game against the Chicago Bears looked a lot brighter this NFL season. On Sunday, Dec. 12, Packers’ running back Aaron Jones wore custom-designed cleats, in partnership with the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, to support children battling childhood cancer.

The special NFL program, “My Cause, My Cleats”, raises awareness and funding for causes that are near and dear to players’ hearts. Participating athletes sport a custom cleat design that represents their passions beyond the field on game day, then auction off the cleats at the NFL auction to raise proceeds for their selected charity.

Earlier this year, kids with cancer and their family members submitted their original hand-crafted designs for Aaron’s cleats, from which he personally selected his favorite. This year marks Aaron’s second time partnering with the Northwestern Mutual Foundation for the “My Cause, My Cleats” campaign to support and raise awareness for childhood cancer.

On November 13, Ashley Herman of Marshfield, Wis. was selected as the program’s winner. The 18-year-old cancer hero was invited to visit Lambeau Field in Green Bay with her mom, dad, brother and boyfriend, where Aaron surprised her with the news that he selected her design for his cleats.

“You’re definitely strong and resilient. Never stop fighting,” Aaron shared on a virtual call. “I want you to know that I’m in your corner forever.”

Ashley was surprised and delighted to speak with Aaron about her design and thought process behind the artwork. When selecting her design, Aaron was particularly drawn to the phrase “be the change” on the cleats—a phrase that stuck with Ashley throughout her treatment. “All it takes is one person,” Aaron told Ashley. “And now when I wear those cleats, everyone will see be the change.”

To top off the victory, Ashley was not only gifted a pair of her own custom cleats but also learned she and her family would attend the Packers’ game on December 12 to see her design in action.

Cleats designed by childhood cancer heroes seem to bring a little bit of magic to Aaron’s game. He scored back-to-back touchdowns in Ashley’s cleats to help boost the Packers’ to a 45-30 victory over the Chicago Bears, while, last year, he ran for his longest career touchdown in Ethan Haley’s cleats.

Finding Hope and Courage Through Art

Both art and sports played a large role in Ashley’s everyday life growing up. When she wasn’t in school, she would spend her time painting or sketching or playing volleyball for Columbus High School.

This past winter, however, Ashley was faced with news that would change her life. On Jan. 27, 2021, the Wisconsin native was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma—cancer that affects specialized white blood cells within the body’s immune system, which hinders it from defending against bacteria, parasites, or viruses.

Despite receiving this startling news, Ashley’s perpetual positive attitude kicked in and her first words to her doctors and families were, “okay, what do we do next.” Today, her cancer is in remission.

For Ashley, “My Cause, My Cleats” campaign means more than just winning. She plans to continue to share her story with others battling cancer to help them keep pushing forward and to encourage them to share their own experiences.

Aaron also hopes his participation with the Northwestern Mutual Foundation will inspire others to make a difference. The Foundation, which launched its Childhood Cancer Program in 2012, has worked vigorously to find better treatments and cures, provide family and patient support and offer aid to children who struggle with the long-term effects of treatment. Since its inception, the foundation has contributed over $35 million towards its mission and also funded more than 455,000 hours of research.

In 2022, Northwestern Mutual Foundation’s Childhood Cancer Program is celebrating its ten-year anniversary by continuing to create moments of joy and drive connections amongst those affected by childhood cancer. Learn more about the Northwestern Mutual Foundation’s Childhood Cancer Program here.

If you’d like to hear more about Ashley’s story, watch it now!

Have a surplus of candy because there were fewer—or no—trick or treaters this year? Or perhaps your kids scored big and can’t possibly eat all of it. Donating your haul of Halloween candy to soldiers stationed abroad, neighborhood firefighters, and others will surely sweeten someone’s day. Keep reading to find out where to drop off the dulce, below.

Operation Troop Treats

iStock

Operation Troop Treats is the nation’s largest dentist-sponsored Halloween candy exchange benefiting U.S. Service Members and their families, teaching children about good dental health and the importance of giving back to those who serve our country.

Donate Halloween candy at any participating dental office nationwide from Nov. 1-6 and receive a toy in exchange for each child's candy donation. Local dental offices will send Operation Gratitude the donated candy, dental kits, and funds to cover the assembly and shipment of care packages for U.S. troops.

Click here to find out your nearest donation location. 

Online: operationtrooptreats.com

Murphy-Harpst Children's Center

Photo: Kristina Paukshtite via Pexels

Murphy-Harpst is a nonprofit residential treatment center in Atlanta that serves severely abused and neglected children and teenagers. It is an emotional, spiritual and physical safe haven, offering residential treatment, placements in specialized foster care, and community programs that serve at-risk young people and their families. And they'd love your excess candy to share with the children in their care!

Drop off or mail to Murphy-Harpst, Attention: Pam Kramer, 740 Fletcher St., Cedartown GA 30125

Online: murphyharpst.org

Operation Gratitude

iStock

The Halloween Candy Give-Back Program gives families a way to donate surplus candy to deployed troops, veterans, and first responders with the goal of forging strong bonds between the civilian and service communities nationwide. This year, donation locations will not be set-up due to COVID-19; however, Operation Gratitude encourages donors to ship candy directly to them (OG Candy Processing Center, ATTN: Halloween Candy, 8967 Oso Ave., Building D, Chatsworth, CA 91311), or better yet, contact a local military base, veteran organization, or first responder department to see if they are interested and able to take the candy.

If you would like to register to donate excess Halloween Candy, click here.

Online: operationgratitude.com

Ronald McDonald House

iStock

Ronald McDonald House supports families with children battling illness by providing a "home away from home" while seeking treatment. Some local chapters of the Ronald McDonald House accept unopened, surplus candy donations. 

Find a local chapter here. Contact the one closest to you to verify that they're taking donations before loading up you haul of sweet stuff!

Online: rmhc.org

Local Fire Stations

David Mark via Pixabay

Local fire stations are not only where the big hook and ladder trucks are stored, but they're also where firefighters live when they're on duty, waiting for an emergency call. And, while they usually keep it pretty healthy around the house, we're pretty sure everyone likes a little late night chocolate, now and then. 

Find your local fire station here

Online: atlfrf.org

Paw Kids

iStock

PAW Kids is a community organization that provides safety and sustenance. PAW House is a safe and loving after school enrichment program where students can find reading mentors, homework help, and more. Claudia's House is a neighborhood food pantry that offers daily meals for the community, meals for seniors, and more. 

Donations can be dropped off at Claudia's House on Mon., Tues., & Thurs. from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Claudia's House is located at 1633 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy.

Online: pawkids.org

Featured photo via iStock.

—Shelley Massey

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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:

  1. Gifford P, Gifford, K L. The Future of Myopia Control Contact Lenses. Opt Vis Sci. 2016;93(4):336-43
  2. Rose KA, Morgan IG, Ip J, et al. Outdoor Activity Reduces the Prevalence of Myopia in Children. Ophthalmology 2008;115(8):1279-85.
  3. 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.
  4. Morgan P. Is Myopia Control the Next Contact Lens Revolution? OPTICIAN 2016
  5. 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.
  6. Flitcroft DI. The complex interactions of retinal, optical, and environmental factors in myopia aetiology Prog Retin Eye Res. 2012;31(6):622-660.
  7. 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. PrecautionsDaily 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:
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.

When children are diagnosed with cancer, their childhoods are put on hold. Navigating countless procedures, enduring lengthy treatments and meeting emotional needs takes incredible strength and resilience. To bring much-needed joy and smiles to families on this unfathomable journey, Northwestern Mutual, through its Foundation, recently connected children and families affected by childhood cancer for a one-of-a-kind virtual “camp” experience: the Ultimate Mini-Camp.

In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Ultimate Mini-Camp united families nationwide affected by childhood cancer who often lack crucial support networks that truly understand this battle. Hosted by Super Bowl champion and former NFL player Donald Driver, participants got to listen to stories, ask NFL pros questions and show off their favorite accessories—casting their worries aside as they enjoyed an afternoon of pure fun.

Aaron Jones, NFL Running Back for the Green Bay Packers, acted as the “director of activities,” talking to kids about everything from his ranking in Madden NFL to why he wears a sombrero on game day, and taking participants behind the scenes for an exclusive tour of Lambeau Field. The children were also encouraged to submit a customized design for a chance to be featured on Aaron’s cleats for this season’s “My Cause, My Cleats” game in December. “I look forward to wearing one of you guys’ cleats this upcoming December…having a special game in them and seeing what you come up with,” said Jones. 

Kids and parents were able to ask Jones and Driver questions, which ranged from their other favorite sports to what advice they’d give to children battling cancer. Driver, who has experienced multiple friends and family members fight cancer, shared an emotional response. “You’re the most special person in the world,” said Driver. “Never give up, keep fighting. Believe that anything is possible.”

The Northwestern Mutual Foundation launched its Childhood Cancer Program in 2012 to accelerate the search for better treatments and cures, provide necessary family and patient support, and aid those who continue to struggle with the long-term effects of treatment. The program has contributed more than $35 million to the cause, funding more than 455,000 hours of life-saving research. It also provides two scholarships—one to childhood cancer survivors and another for siblings of those affected by childhood cancer—so they can pursue dreams of higher education and inspiring careers.

Since 2018, Northwestern Mutual has been hosting special camp events virtually and at renowned venues – Rose Bowl Stadium in 2018, Lambeau Field in Titletown in 2019, and virtually in 2020 and 2021. This year’s Ultimate Mini-Camp served as an uplifting (virtual) destination to help families rediscover hope, create unforgettable memories, and build meaningful connections among a loving community.

Get a peek at the full event:

 

 

-Jessica Solloway

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, 12 And after six years, nearly one in four eyes originally fit with MiSight® 1 day had no progression of myopia.¶13 These 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

Learn more about MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses and myopia!

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.

 

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More than 90,000 babies competed for a spot as the 2021 Gerber Spokesbaby, but only one could prevail! And his parents have a fantastic backstory, too. Four-month-old Zane Kahin from Florida is this year’s winner after his mom beat cancer and the odds.

Erin Kahin and husband Mike hoped to have kids, but they weren’t sure if Erin could conceive naturally after she faced treatment for breast cancer, including a double mastectomy. But Baby Zane surprised the family and entered the world on February 3!

“Zane is a little comedian – he loves to crack himself up and even wakes up laughing. His cheerful attitude, captivating giggles, and playful smile can light up any room!” his parents noted.

As for the prize, the Kahins received $25,000 in cash, free Gerber products for up to one year and a wardrobe provided by Gerber Childrenswear. You can buy a bodysuit or t-shirt design inspired by Zane and the company will make a product donation of equal value to the charitable organization Delivering Good. Zane will also keep busy as the “Chief Taste Tester” for new baby food products and serve as Gerber’s “Chief Growing Officer.”

The Gerber Spokesbaby is an annual award inspired by a 1928 company contest to find a face to represent their baby food. Artist Dorothy Hope Smith’s charcoal sketch of a neighbor’s child perfectly captured the spirit and it’s been the face of all Gerber packaging since 1931.

—Sarah Shebek

Feature photo courtesy of Gerber

 

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