Multifocal Designs for Children

Multifocal Designs for Children in Olympia

Multifocals to Treat Myopia in Children

There are several options today to correct vision in children with myopia (nearsightedness) and in preventing progression of this eye disorder. Multifocal lenses, either in the form of prescription glasses or contacts, are a popular option that has effectively been used in childhood myopia. The following article will address this intervention and its efficacy for children.

American Family Vision Clinic

What Are Multifocals?

Multifocals can be adapted for prescription glasses or contact lenses. With a unique design featuring multiple prescriptions and focal points for different aspects of vision,  the blended lens found in multifocals enables a more harmonious experience.They lack the dividing line found in bifocals.

Multifocal Glasses

Multifocal prescription glasses incorporate focal points for specific types of vision. They have the added advantage of being easier for children to adapt to than standard bifocals because they tend to be free of the "image jumps'' one finds with bifocals. Additionally, they lack the dividing line found in bifocals that children may associate with "old people''.

Multifocal Glasses
Multifocal Contacts

Multifocal Contacts

Multifocals can effectively slow down myopia progression. However, they will not be effective for the very young who have difficulty wearing and maintaining contacts. Additionally, there is always the risk of infections associated with contact lens wear, which may render them unsuitable for children.

Multifocal Contacts

How Multifocals Slow Myopia Progression

Research has shown that multifocals slow the progression of eye growth, specifically of axial elongation, attributed to the development and progression of myopia. 

Common Questions

In addition to treating nearsightedness, they are also used to treat focusing issues.
Studies have shown that children adapt fairly quickly.
There is no definitive age to determine how old an individual child should be to wear multifocal contacts. Maturation is a greater factor in deciding when a child is ready, although a common recommended age is approximately 8 years of age.
Multifocal Designs for Children
Dr. Zurcher cartoon

Multifocals To Slow Myopia Progression In Children

The use of  multifocals, either in the form of glasses or contact lenses, are associated with successfully slowing down myopia in children. As a serious ocular disorder that can lead to complications such as glaucoma, retinal detachment and cataracts, early intervention is essential. Multifocal contacts may not be suitable for children ill-equipped to wear and maintain them. If your child is experiencing difficulties with myopia, speak with an optometrist to discuss whether multifocals might be viable.

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Testimonials


Such a nice optician. My grandson is only 4 and needs glasses. We were so sad, but he explained the issues, and we will follow up as he suggested.


Anna P.

I had such a good experience with the clinic. Very friendly staff and doctor, did not have to wait for long to be called, and was treated respectfully. Thanks, American Family.


June S.

Dr. Zurcher has gone above and beyond what any other eye doctor has ever done to figure out what is going on with my eyes. Very happy with American Family Vision.


Christine R.

Family Vision Clinic changed our lives! My daughter was frequently car sick, and she was getting headaches every day, often painful enough that they brought her to tears. We saw a string of doctors and therapists, but we made no progress. Finally, we found Dr. Levi Zurcher and his eye therapist Rain. After ten weeks of eye therapy my daughter no longer gets headaches, and she no longer gets car sick. Daily tears are a thing of the past. I really can’t say enough about this clinic. It was fascinating to watch Dr. Zurcher work. For the first time, someone who knew what they were doing was intently studying my daughter, really trying to figure out all of her eye issues, and his therapist Rain is one of the most patient and lovely people that I’ve ever had the good fortune to meet. We’re finished with eye therapy—yay!—and I have switched to American Family Vision Clinic for all of my family’s other eye health needs.


Lars Wulff

Very professional, yet kind and helpful. They do what they can to make the appointment comfortable. I was running a bit late, I made sure ti call. They were able to switch me with a patient who was already there, they treated me with respect, and helped my son have confidence by getting him the eye care he needed that day. Thank you so much! Would recommend to anyone. It's a blessing that they care enough to work with people who have all different types of insurance from work to state coverage.


Justin E.

The staff is friendly. The Doc is very knowledgeable. The office is family friendly and everyone is so patient with the little ones.


Amy Fagerness
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