UAB Eye Care is one of the first clinics in the country to have MiSight® 1 day contact lenses, a daily wear, single use contact lens that slows the progression of myopia (nearsightedness). The clinic is the clinical arm of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry.

The MiSight® 1 day lens is FDA approved for patients who are between the ages of 8 and 12 years old, for patients with myopia (nearsightedness) better than -4.00 D. Patients who are older than 12 years old and patients with myopia better than -6.00 D may also be considered for this innovative treatment if they have progressive myopia. 

“Myopia is becoming one of the world’s largest public health concerns because myopia is associated with vision-threatening conditions such as retinal detachments and cataracts,” said Andrew Pucker, OD, PhD, FAAO, FSLS, Myopia Control Clinic chief. “Using contact lenses to slow the progression of myopia may decrease the chances of developing pathological conditions associated with myopia later in life.” 

All patients who visit the UAB Eye Care Myopia Control Clinic undergo a specialized evaluation every six months to monitor eye growth and vision, and if they select a contact lens option, their contact lenses are also evaluated. 

If a patient selects a contact lens option, they are taught how to use their contact lenses, and they are closely monitored to make sure that the contact lenses are fitting well. The initial fitting for MiSight® 1 day contact lenses typically takes two visits. After the contact lens prescription is finalized, the clinic suggests that patients are monitored every six months until the patient turns at least 16-years-old because this is the age when the average patient’s eyes stop growing; however, this schedule can vary from patient to patient.  

UAB is one of the first clinics in the United States to fit the MiSight® 1 day lens, and everyone who has started the program thus far has indicated that they like the comfort and vision of the lenses. Also, Pucker is one of the trainers for the MiSight® 1 day doctor certification program. He, along with others at UAB Eye Care are well versed in this technology. UAB Eye Care has also been involved in myopia research for more than 40 years.