Eye Care Article

Smarter Way to Manage Kid’s Myopia

With more children spending long hours on digital devices and less time outdoors, myopia (short-sightedness) is becoming increasingly common and it often continues to worsen as children grow. Myopia progression doesn’t just mean stronger prescriptions; higher myopia is linked to a greater risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment and glaucoma.

That’s why modern eye care for children focuses not only on clear vision, but also on slowing myopia progression early.

Are Contact Lenses Safe for Children? Yes — when prescribed and managed by a qualified optometrist.

In fact, many eye care professionals now recommend specialised myopia control contact lenses because they are effective, predictable, and suitable for children who can follow simple hygiene routines.

Children don’t just need lenses that help them see clearly, they need solutions that help protect their future vision.

Myopia Control Contact Lens Options for Kids

Ortho-K (Orthokeratology)

A revolutionary, non-surgical solution, Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) corrects vision and effectively controls myopia progression in children by gently reshaping the cornea overnight. Simply wear the lenses during sleep and enjoy clear, natural vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.

Studies have shown that children who wear Ortho-K lenses can experience a reduction in myopia progression of up to 60% compared to those using single-vision lenses. An added benefit is the freedom from glasses or contact lenses for up to 16 hours the following day. This makes Ortho-K a great alternative to LASIK for individuals who are not ready for surgery or have concerns about potential risks and complications.

What to expect when you begin wearing Ortho-K lenses

The process starts with detailed measurements of your corneal shape using a corneal topographer, a device that creates a precise map of the cornea’s surface. An in-office fitting session is then conducted to ensure optimal lens fit before the lenses are ordered. When you first begin wearing Ortho-K lenses, you may be aware of them briefly before falling asleep. Comfort typically improves quickly over time, and most wearers find the lenses easy to adapt to with continued use.

MiSight® Daily Disposable Lenses

MiSight is the first soft contact lens approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to slow myopia progression in children, with an effectiveness of up to 59%. It is a single-use, daily disposable contact lens designed for daytime wear only and should not be worn overnight.

MiSight is a dual-focus lens featuring a central correction zone surrounded by a series of alternating treatment (+2.00 DS defocus) and correction zones. The correction zones provide clear vision by correcting the refractive error, while the treatment zones create retinal defocus to help slow myopia progression. The zone diameters are carefully designed based on age-appropriate pupil sizes to ensure clear distance vision while supporting normal accommodation during near tasks.

When MiSight lenses are worn, one portion of the lens corrects distance vision, similar to standard contact lenses. At the same time, concentric peripheral rings focus part of the incoming light in front of the retina, creating peripheral defocus. This mechanism, which is similar to that of Ortho-K, is believed to play a key role in reducing the progression of myopia.

Which Is Better — Ortho-K or MiSight?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Both Ortho-K and MiSight® are effective, evidence-based solutions for myopia control. The best choice depends on:

Your child’s age and lifestyle
Degree of myopia or astigmatism
Daily routine and comfort preferences
Eye health and clinical findings

An eye care professional can help determine which option is most suitable after a thorough assessment.

Take the First Step Today

Early assessment makes a real difference. A comprehensive pediatric eye examination allows our optometrists to evaluate your child’s vision, eye health, and suitability for myopia control options like Ortho-K or MiSight.

Let’s work together to slow myopia progression and safeguard your child’s visual future. Take the first step in protecting your child’s vision.