Myopia Control Treatments for Kids
Learn about evidence-informed treatment options that may help slow myopia progression in children.
What is myopia management?
Myopia management is the ongoing care of nearsightedness and the risk of developing it. It includes checking risk, correcting blurry vision, discussing daily habits, considering treatments to slow progression, and monitoring prescription and eye length over time.
Myopia control is one part of that care: treatments intended to slow worsening myopia. Regular glasses can make distance vision clearer, but that is different from treatment intended to slow eye growth. An eye doctor can explain which options and measurements are appropriate for your child.
Source: International Myopia Institute definitions of myopia management and myopia control
How do you choose the right myopia control treatment?
Orthokeratology, myopia control contact lenses, low-dose prescription eye drops, and myopia control glasses can all be reasonable choices for the right child. Each has different routines, benefits, limitations, and follow-up needs.
A specialist can compare your child’s age, prescription, eye health, lifestyle, and progression rate before recommending a plan.
What are the 4 main myopia treatment options?
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
See clearly during the day without glasses
Special contact lenses worn only at night that gently reshape the front of the eye while your child sleeps.
Best for:
- Kids who want freedom from glasses during sports or school
- Families who can keep a consistent nighttime routine
What parents like:
- No daytime glasses or contacts
- Often a strong option for active kids
Good to know: Ortho-K requires careful fitting and regular follow-ups.
Myopia Contact Lenses
Daily contacts designed to slow progression
Some daily disposable soft contact lenses are FDA-approved or clinically validated for myopia control. Your doctor will recommend the best fit for your child.
Best for:
- Kids who can handle daily contacts (with parent support)
- Families who prefer a simple, consistent daily routine
What parents like:
- Fresh lens every day
- No cleaning solutions or storage cases
Good to know: Not every child is a fit for contacts—your doctor will guide you.
Prescription Eye Drops
Prescription eye drops that may slow worsening
A prescription eye drop used at bedtime. Many doctors use low-dose atropine as part of a myopia control plan.
Best for:
- Kids who aren’t ready for contacts
- Families who want a low-effort nightly option
- Sometimes used alongside other treatments
What parents like:
- Simple routine
- Can be a good starting point
Good to know: Your doctor will discuss dosing, monitoring, and expected results.
Learn about pharmaceutical eye drops · Find a myopia specialist
Myopia Control Glasses
Special lenses that do more than regular glasses
Glasses designed with optical patterns that aim to slow progression, not just correct blurry vision.
Best for:
- Kids who won’t wear contacts
- Families who want a non-contact option
- Children who already wear glasses full-time
What parents like:
- Familiar: it’s still "just glasses"
- No drops, no contacts, easy daily use
Good to know: Not all "myopia control glasses" are the same—your doctor can help you choose the right type.
Learn about myopia control glasses · Find a specialist who offers these lenses
What to Ask at Your Child's Myopia Control Visit
Bring these questions to your appointment:
- How fast is my child’s myopia changing?
- What options fit our family’s routine best?
- How will you measure improvement over time?
- How often do we need follow-ups?
- What results are realistic for my child?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can myopia be reversed?
Most of the time, myopia control focuses on slowing progression—not reversing it. Your doctor can explain what’s realistic for your child.
Do we need treatment if my child’s myopia is mild?
Mild myopia can still progress quickly in childhood. The key is how fast it’s changing and your child’s risk factors.
How soon should we start myopia control treatment?
Earlier is often better. If your child’s prescription is increasing, it’s worth discussing options now with a myopia specialist.
Sources and further reading
This overview uses parent-friendly summaries from myopia consensus reports, FDA device information, and treatment-specific clinical studies.
- IMI definitions of myopia management and myopia control
The distinction between ongoing myopia care, vision correction, and interventions intended to slow progression.
- International Myopia Institute reports
Consensus guidance on myopia management, definitions, interventions, and clinical considerations.
- FDA device information
FDA approval record and labeling for MiSight 1 Day soft contact lenses.
- Peer-reviewed clinical studies
Treatment-specific research is summarized on each treatment page and in the evidence library.
Next steps
Compare treatment options · Take the Risk Assessment · Find a Specialist
Written by MyopiaProgression.com Editorial Team. Editorial Standards
Educational information only. Treatment decisions should be made with an eye doctor. Medical disclaimer