Management of Myopia in University Students Using Dual Focus Soft Contact Lenses
Are you a university student concerned about your eyesight getting worse? This study is exploring if a specific type of contact lens, called MiSight, can help slow down the progression of short-sightedness (myopia) in young adults. We already know these lenses have been successful in slowing myopia in children and teenagers. However, short-sightedness can continue to worsen during university years, so researchers want to see if MiSight lenses can also make a difference for students aged 18-21. Participants will wear either the MiSight lenses or standard contact lenses, and researchers will monitor how their vision changes over time to understand the effectiveness of this treatment for university students.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking into a common eye condition called short-sightedness, or myopia. If you have myopia, distant objects look blurry, and it often gets worse over time. While glasses or standard contact lenses can correct your vision, they don't stop the eyes from changing. For several years, special contact lenses called MiSight have been shown to help slow down how quickly short-sightedness gets worse in children and teenagers. This means their eyesight doesn't deteriorate as much as it might otherwise.
Traditionally, it was thought that short-sightedness mostly worsened during childhood. However, we now know it can continue to progress into early adulthood, including during university years. Since the MiSight lenses have been effective in younger age groups, researchers are keen to find out if they can also help university students whose short-sightedness is still getting worse.
The aim of this study is to carefully measure how well these MiSight contact lenses work for students aged 18-21. By comparing them to standard contact lenses, the researchers hope to understand if this treatment offers a good solution for slowing vision changes in young adults at university. This could potentially lead to better ways to manage short-sightedness for people in this age group.
Key takeaways
- Study explores if special contacts (MiSight) slow short-sightedness in university students.
- Aimed at 18-21 year olds whose vision is still worsening.
- Compares MiSight lenses to standard contact lenses.
- Requires wearing lenses daily and attending regular eye check-ups.
- Potential benefit: slowing down vision changes.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be a university student in the UK, aged between 18 and 21 years old. Your short-sightedness must have gotten worse recently. You should also be able to see quite well with your glasses or contact lenses on, and not have any other serious eye conditions that might affect your safety in the study.
There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you've already used other treatments to control your short-sightedness, or if you have certain eye problems like a lazy eye (amblyopia), or conditions that stop you from safely wearing contact lenses. If your short-sightedness is very severe, or you have a lot of astigmatism (an uneven curve of the eye), you might also not be suitable. The study also needs to make sure you're not allergic to certain eye drops or taking medicines that could affect your pupils.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you a university student?
- Are you aged between 18 and 21?
- Has your short-sightedness gotten worse recently?
- Do you have good vision with your current glasses or contacts?
- Do you have any serious eye conditions like a lazy eye or very severe short-sightedness?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll be given either the special MiSight contact lenses or standard contact lenses. You won't get to choose which type you receive. You'll need to wear your assigned contact lenses for at least 10 hours a day, at least 6 days a week. You'll also need to attend regular appointments at the university or clinic for eye check-ups over the course of the study. The total length of your involvement in the study will be explained to you, but it will involve a series of visits to monitor your eyes and vision. Specific details about the number and frequency of visits will be provided in full if you're interested in participating.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- University of BradfordVerified postcodeBradford, United Kingdom
- University of HuddersfieldVerified postcodeHuddersfield, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is myopia?
Myopia is the medical term for short-sightedness, where distant objects look blurry.
What are MiSight contact lenses?
These are special contact lenses designed to help slow down how quickly short-sightedness gets worse.
Will I get to choose which contact lenses I wear?
No, you will be randomly assigned to wear either the MiSight lenses or standard contact lenses, like flipping a coin for fairness.
Will this study cure my short-sightedness?
No, the study aims to slow down the progression of short-sightedness, not cure it or reverse past changes.
What if I experience problems with the contact lenses?
The study team will provide contact information and procedures for reporting any problems or concerns immediately.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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