What Is Myopia Control and Why It’s Important

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common, especially among children. It causes distant objects - such as classroom boards, road signs, or televisions - to appear blurry. While glasses and regular contact lenses can correct vision, they do not slow the progression of myopia. That’s why myopia control has become such an important part of modern eye care.

Myopia control focuses on slowing the worsening of nearsightedness, helping protect long-term eye health and reduce the risk of future vision problems.
 

Understanding Myopia

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. As the eye continues to elongate, vision becomes progressively worse. Myopia often begins in childhood and tends to progress most rapidly during the school years.

Higher levels of myopia are associated with an increased risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic macular degeneration. Slowing eye growth early can make a meaningful difference over a lifetime.
 

What Is Myopia Control?

Myopia control refers to evidence-based treatments designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness rather than simply correcting blurry vision. These treatments work by changing how light is focused on the retina, which helps regulate eye growth.

There are several effective myopia management options available today, and the best choice depends on a child’s age, prescription, eye health, and lifestyle.
 

Myopia Control Treatment Options

MiSight® 1 Day Contact Lenses

MiSight® 1 day lenses are dual-focus soft contact lenses and are the only FDA-approved myopia control treatment currently available that both corrects vision and slows myopia progression. Designed specifically for children, MiSight lenses are worn during the day and discarded each night.

Their safety and effectiveness are supported by a seven-year clinical study and use by hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide, making them a trusted option for young children who are ready for contact lenses.
 

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, uses specially designed rigid contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. When the lenses are removed in the morning, clear vision is maintained throughout the day without glasses or contact lenses.

Ortho-K is an excellent option for children and teens who want freedom from daytime eyewear and is especially popular among swimmers, water polo players, and other athletes. These lenses must be worn nightly to maintain clear vision and myopia control benefits.
 

Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops

Low-dose atropine eye drops are instilled each night to help slow the growth of the eye. This treatment does not correct vision, so glasses or contact lenses are still needed during the day.

Possible side effects may include mild pupil dilation and a temporary reduction in the eye’s focusing ability, though these effects are typically minimal at low doses and are closely monitored by an eye care professional.
 

Soft Multifocal Contact Lenses

Soft multifocal contact lenses were originally designed to help adults see clearly at distance, intermediate, and near. Research has shown that these lenses can also help slow myopia progression in children by altering how light focuses on the retina.

They are worn during the day like regular contact lenses and may be a good option for children who are comfortable with contact lens wear.
 

Myopia Control Glasses (Coming Soon)

Essilor® Stellest lenses represent a breakthrough in myopia management. They are the first and only FDA market-authorized spectacle lenses designed to slow myopia progression in children. Unlike bifocals or progressive addition lenses (PALs), which do not significantly slow myopia progression, these lenses are specifically engineered for myopia control.

Myopia control glasses are anticipated to become available in the United States by 2026, offering an exciting new option for children who prefer glasses.
 

Why Early Myopia Control Matters

Because myopia progresses most rapidly during childhood, early intervention is key. Slowing progression - even modestly - can significantly reduce the risk of vision-threatening conditions later in life. A personalized myopia control plan can help preserve eye health and support clear, comfortable vision as visual demands increase.
 

A Clearer Future Starts with Myopia Control

Myopia control goes beyond correcting vision—it’s about protecting long-term eye health. With options such as MiSight® lenses, Ortho-K, atropine drops, multifocal contact lenses, and emerging myopia control glasses, families have more choices than ever before. Early, proactive care can make a lasting difference in a child’s visual future.

If your child has myopia or you’re concerned about worsening nearsightedness, schedule a myopia control consultation at Optic One. Visit our office in Cinnaminson, New Jersey, or call (867) 788-6167 to book an appointment today.