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Interactive Comparison Tool

Find the Right Treatmentfor Your Child

Every child is unique. Compare myopia control options side-by-side to find the best fit for your child's lifestyle, age, and needs.

Select treatments to compare:

At a Glance

FDA

Ortho-K

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Effectiveness50-60%
Age Range6+ years
ScheduleNightly (5-6 hours)
Annual Cost$1,500 - $2,500

Best For

Active children who want freedom from daytime eyewear

Learn More
FDA

MiSight

MiSight 1 Day

Effectiveness59%
Age Range8-12 years (at start)
ScheduleDaily (10+ hours)
Annual Cost$1,000 - $1,500

Best For

Children 8-12 who prefer soft contact lenses

Learn More
Decision Support

Need Help Choosing?

Every child's eyes are unique. Use our clinical assessment tool to get a personalized recommendation based on their age, prescription, and lifestyle.

Detailed Comparison

How to Read These Numbers

Efficacy percentages represent the average reduction in myopia progression (slowing of axial eye elongation) compared to single-vision glasses over 1-3 year clinical trials. Individual results vary based on age of onset, baseline prescription, and treatment compliance.

Feature
Ortho-K
MiSight
Effectiveness
50-60%
59%
Age Range
6+ years
8-12 years (at start)
Wear Schedule
Nightly (5-6 hours)
Daily (10+ hours)
FDA Approved
YesFDA-approved for vision correction
YesFDA-approved for myopia control
Annual Cost
$1,500 - $2,500
$1,000 - $1,500
Reversible
Yes
Yes

Pros & Cons

Ortho-K

Section Content

Advantages

  • No daytime glasses or contacts
  • Great for active kids & athletes
  • Dual benefit: correction + control
  • Fully reversible
  • High satisfaction rates

Considerations

  • Requires consistent nightly wear
  • Higher initial cost
  • 1-2 week adjustment period
  • Proper lens care required
  • Not for all prescriptions
MiSight

Section Content

Advantages

  • FDA-approved for myopia control
  • Daily disposables = no cleaning
  • Easy for children to handle
  • 59% efficacy in clinical trials
  • Familiar soft lens comfort

Considerations

  • Must wear during waking hours
  • Ongoing daily cost
  • Age restrictions (8-12 start)
  • Requires good compliance
  • Not for all prescriptions
Evidence-Based

Key Sources Behind These Numbers

Every effectiveness claim on this page is backed by peer-reviewed research. Here are the landmark studies.

Ortho-K2005

Longitudinal Orthokeratology Research in Children (LORIC)

Current Eye Research

Ortho-K slowed axial length growth by 46% compared to glasses.

View on PubMed
Ortho-K2012

Retardation of Myopia in Orthokeratology (ROMIO)

Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science

Ortho-K reduced axial elongation by 43% over 2 years.

View on PubMed
MiSight2019

MiSight 1 day 3-Year Clinical Trial

Optometry and Vision Science

MiSight lenses reduced myopia progression by 59% over 3 years.

View on PubMed

What About Combination Therapy?

For children with rapidly progressing myopia, eye care professionals sometimes recommend combining treatments.

+Ortho-K + Low-Dose Atropine

The most studied combination. Research shows this pairing may provide better control than either treatment alone, especially for fast progressors.

Evidence-supported

+MiSight + Low-Dose Atropine

Some practitioners combine soft myopia control lenses with atropine drops for enhanced effect. Discuss with your specialist.

Emerging evidence

Important: Combination therapy should only be considered under the guidance of a myopia control specialist. Not all children need or benefit from combined treatments.

5-Year Investment

Understanding the True Cost

Myopia control is a multi-year commitment. Here's what to expect over a typical 5-year treatment period.

Treatment
Year 1
Years 2-5
5-Year Total
Includes
Ortho-K
$2,000-3,000(fitting + lenses)
$1,200-2,000/yr
$7,000-11,000
Lenses, solutions, visits
Spectacles
$500-900
$400-800/yr
$2,100-4,100
Lenses, frames, visits
Atropine
$400-900
$300-800/yr
$1,600-4,100
Drops, visits
MiSight
$1,000-1,500
$1,000-1,500/yr
$5,000-7,500
Daily lenses, visits

*Costs are estimates and vary by location, provider, and insurance coverage. Prices in USD.

Payment Options

Insurance & Payment Information

Understanding your coverage options can make myopia control more affordable.

Vision Insurance

Many vision plans cover a portion of myopia control treatments. Contact lenses and specialty lenses may have separate allowances.

  • VSP, EyeMed often cover contact lens fittings
  • Ask about "medically necessary" contact lens coverage

FSA / HSA Eligible

Myopia control treatments are typically eligible for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

  • Use pre-tax dollars for treatment
  • Covers exams, lenses, and solutions

Payment Plans

Many practices offer payment plans to spread the cost of treatment over time.

  • CareCredit and similar financing options
  • Ask about in-house payment plans
Be Prepared

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Print this checklist and bring it to your appointment to ensure you cover all the important topics.

1

What is my child's current prescription and how fast is it changing?

Understanding progression rate helps determine urgency

2

Based on my child's age and lifestyle, which treatment do you recommend?

Personalized recommendations consider individual factors

3

What are the realistic expectations for slowing progression?

Sets appropriate expectations for treatment outcomes

4

How will we monitor if the treatment is working?

Regular monitoring ensures treatment effectiveness

5

What happens if we need to switch treatments?

Having a backup plan provides peace of mind

6

Are there any combination approaches that might work better?

Some children benefit from multiple treatments

7

What is the total cost including follow-up visits?

Understanding full costs helps with planning

8

How long should my child stay on this treatment?

Treatment duration varies by age and progression

Still not sure?

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Take our free risk assessment to get treatment recommendations tailored to your child's specific situation.

Find Local Specialists

Find Myopia Control Specialists by City

Connect with certified myopia control specialists offering myopia control treatment in your area.

Medical Disclaimer

The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Use of this site does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Treatment effectiveness varies by individual. This comparison is based on published clinical research averages.

Read our full Medical Disclaimer

Advertising Disclosure

Sponsored placements, if active, are clearly labeled and do not influence clinical efficacy data or editorial recommendations. Treatment availability and pricing vary by provider and location.

Written by MyopiaProgression.com Editorial Team
Reviewed by a board-certified optometrist and Fellow of the IAOMC
Published: January 2026
Updated: February 2026

Our content follows strict editorial standards and is reviewed by a qualified eye care professional.

Last reviewed: February 2026
Reviewed by a board-certified optometrist and Fellow of the IAOMC
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