When a child is diagnosed with myopia, parents naturally want to know what can be done to slow it down. The good news is that several proven myopia control options are now available in Australia. Each works differently and suits different children. Understanding how they compare can help you have a productive conversation with your child’s optometrist about the best approach.
Why Standard Glasses Are Not Enough
Standard single-vision glasses correct blurry distance vision but do nothing to slow myopia progression. They fix the symptom without addressing the underlying problem: the eye is continuing to grow too long. Myopia control treatments are specifically designed to slow that excessive eye growth, measured by axial length.
Myopia Control Spectacle Lenses
Specially designed spectacle lenses are often the first option parents consider because they look and feel like normal glasses. The two main types currently available are:
- Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) lenses, such as MiYOSMART by Hoya
- Highly Aspherical Lenslet (HAL) lenses, such as Stellest by Essilor
These lenses correct distance vision in the central zone while incorporating a special optical design in the periphery that creates a signal to slow eye growth. Clinical trials show they can reduce myopia progression by approximately 50 to 60% compared to standard single-vision lenses.
Pros and Cons of Myopia Control Spectacles
The main advantage is convenience. Children wear them exactly like normal glasses with no additional procedures or daily drops. They are a strong option for younger children or those who are not ready for contact lenses. The main limitation is that they only work while worn, so children who remove their glasses frequently may see reduced benefit.
Myopia Control Contact Lenses
Several types of contact lenses are designed specifically for myopia control:
- Orthokeratology (ortho-K): rigid lenses worn overnight that temporarily reshape the cornea so no vision correction is needed during the day
- Soft dual-focus contact lenses: daily disposable lenses such as MiSight by CooperVision, which work similarly to myopia control spectacles by creating peripheral defocus
Both types show similar effectiveness, typically slowing myopia progression by around 50 to 60%. Ortho-K has the added benefit of glasses-free daytime vision, which is particularly popular with children who play sport.
Are Contact Lenses Safe for Children?
Research shows that children can be excellent contact lens wearers when properly fitted and supervised. Studies of children as young as eight wearing myopia control contact lenses have found complication rates comparable to adult contact lens wear. The key is proper training, hygiene and regular follow-up with the prescribing optometrist.
Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops
Atropine is a medication that, when used in very low concentrations (typically 0.01% to 0.05%), has been shown to slow myopia progression. The drops are applied once daily, usually at bedtime. Studies show effectiveness ranging from 30 to 50% reduction in progression, depending on the concentration used.
Low-dose atropine is often used in combination with other treatments, particularly for children with fast-progressing myopia. It can also be a good option for younger children who are not yet suited to other interventions. In Australia, low-dose atropine is available through compounding pharmacies with an optometrist’s or ophthalmologist’s prescription.
Side Effects of Atropine
At the low concentrations used for myopia control, side effects are minimal. Some children experience mild light sensitivity or slight difficulty focussing up close, but these effects are generally much less pronounced than with higher-dose atropine used for other eye conditions.
Outdoor Time as a Myopia Control Strategy
Spending at least two hours outdoors daily is the most accessible and cost-free strategy. Research shows that increased outdoor time can reduce the risk of myopia onset by up to 50% and may complement clinical treatments by providing additional slowing of progression.
Unlike the other options, outdoor time is something every family can start immediately. It works through a different mechanism, bright light stimulating retinal dopamine release, so it adds value on top of optical or pharmaceutical treatments rather than duplicating their effect.
Track Outdoor Time Alongside Clinical Treatments
illumable helps you ensure your child is getting the outdoor light exposure that complements their myopia management plan.
Download illumable FreeCombining Treatments for Best Results
Many optometrists now recommend a combination approach, for example, myopia control spectacles or contact lenses paired with low-dose atropine and a strong outdoor time routine. This multi-pronged strategy targets myopia progression through different mechanisms simultaneously and often achieves better results than any single treatment alone.
How to Choose the Right Option
The best myopia control option depends on your child’s age, rate of progression, lifestyle and preferences. Your optometrist will consider all of these factors when making a recommendation. The most important step is starting early. The sooner management begins after myopia is detected, the more total progression can be prevented over the childhood years.