Methods of childhood myopia control
Myopia cannot be cured, but its progression can be slowed by 40-67% with modern methods. The choice of method is made only after an eye examination.
Correction and control — what's the difference?
Vision correction
- Regular glasses and contact lenses
- Help see clearly but don't affect eye growth
- Myopia continues to progress
Myopia control
- Specialized lenses and therapy
- Slow down the elongation of the eyeball
- Reduce progression by 40-67%
Defocus spectacle lenses
Special spectacle lenses that create a peripheral defocus on the retina, signaling the eye to slow its growth. D.I.M.S. (Hoya MiYOSMART) and H.A.L.T. (Essilor Stellest) technologies have clinically demonstrated their effectiveness.
Advantages
- Slowing progression by up to 60%
- Comfortable and familiar for the child
- No special care required
- Suitable from age 6
Details
- Requires proper selection and centering
- Minimum 12 hours of daily wear required
- Check-ups every 6 months
Effectiveness: Clinical studies (Lam et al., 2020) demonstrated slowing of myopia progression by 52-62% over 2 years when using D.I.M.S. lenses.
Orthokeratology lenses (Ortho-K)
Rigid gas-permeable lenses worn during the night. While sleeping, they gently reshape the cornea, providing clear vision without glasses throughout the day. Simultaneously, they create an optical profile that slows eye growth.
Advantages
- Child is glasses-free and lens-free during the day
- Slowing progression by up to 50-60%
- Ideal for active and sporty children
- Reversible effect — can be stopped at any time
Details
- Suitable from age 7 with sufficient motivation
- Requires strict hygiene and care
- Microscope check-up every 3-6 months
- Effective for myopia up to -5.0 D
Soft contact lenses for myopia control
Multifocal soft contact lenses with a peripheral defocus zone. They provide clear central vision while simultaneously creating an optical signal to slow eye growth.
Advantages
- Slowing progression by up to 43-59%
- Available as daily disposable lenses
- Suitable for children from age 8
Details
- Worn during the day, removed at night
- Proper handling training is required
- Regular check-ups every 6 months
Atropinization
Low-concentration atropine drops (0.01-0.05%) are instilled before bedtime. The mechanism of action is related to the influence on the biochemical processes of eyeball growth. Can be used as an independent method or in combination with optical means.
Advantages
- Slowing progression by up to 50-67%
- Simple application — 1 drop before sleep
- Can be combined with other methods
Details
- By doctor's prescription only
- Possible slight light sensitivity
- Risk of rebound effect upon sudden discontinuation
Important: Atropine is a pharmacological therapy. Prescribing, dosage selection, and monitoring are exclusively the competence of an ophthalmologist.
Methods comparison
| Method | Effectiveness | Age | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defocus spectacle lenses | 52-62% | from age 6 | Optical |
| Orthokeratology | 50-60% | from age 7 | Optical |
| Soft CL with defocus | 43-59% | from age 8 | Optical |
| Atropine 0.01-0.05% | 50-67% | by prescription | Pharmacological |
Sources: IMI — Interventions for Myopia. IOVS, 2019; Wildsoet CF et al.
Frequently asked questions about myopia control
What parents ask before choosing a method. The decision is always made by an ophthalmologist after an examination.
What is the difference between correcting and controlling myopia?
Ordinary glasses and contact lenses correct vision: the child sees clearly, but the eye keeps elongating and the myopia grows. Myopia control means specialised lenses or therapy that slow the elongation of the eyeball and reduce progression by 40–67 %. A child needs both: clear vision today and myopia growth halted for the years ahead.
Which control methods exist and how effective are they?
Four methods with proven effectiveness: defocus spectacle lenses (D.I.M.S., H.A.L.T.) slow progression by 52–62 %; orthokeratology lenses worn overnight by 50–60 %; soft multifocal contact lenses by 43–59 %; atropine drops 0.01–0.05 % by 50–67 %. Methods can be combined, for example atropine with optical correction.
At what age can myopia control start?
Defocus spectacle lenses from age 6, orthokeratology from 7 if the child is motivated enough, soft contact lenses from 8. Atropine is prescribed only by a doctor, based on age, degree and speed of progression. The earlier control starts, the lower the final degree of myopia.
How do defocus glasses work?
These lenses create peripheral defocus on the retina, an optical signal that makes the eye slow its growth while central vision stays sharp. The D.I.M.S. (Hoya MiYOSMART) and H.A.L.T. (Essilor Stellest) technologies showed a 52–62 % slowdown over two years in clinical studies. The lenses must be worn at least 12 hours a day, with eye checks every 6 months.
Are atropine drops safe?
Low-concentration atropine (0.01–0.05 %) is a drug therapy: one drop before bedtime, strictly as prescribed by a doctor. Mild light sensitivity is possible, and abrupt discontinuation can cause a rebound effect, so the dosage and withdrawal are managed by the ophthalmologist. The method slows progression by 50–67 % and can be combined with glasses or lenses.
How often are check-ups needed?
With defocus spectacle lenses and soft contact lenses, every 6 months. With orthokeratology, every 3–6 months, including a microscope examination of the cornea. At the check-up the doctor measures refraction and eye length, assesses how much the myopia has slowed and adjusts the method or dosage if needed.
We will select the optimal method for your child
The specialist will perform an examination and recommend the most suitable myopia control option.