Evidence-Based Myopia Management: What Every Parent Needs to Know
- ennovationco
- Aug 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 22
Myopia (short-sightedness) is becoming a global health concern, especially in children. It's more than just needing glasses—progressive myopia increases the risk of serious eye diseases like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy later in life.
Thankfully, today's science offers evidence-based treatments that can help slow down myopia progression. Here's a closer look at the top strategies: atropine eye drops, specialty spectacle lenses, soft contact lenses, and orthokeratology.
1. Atropine Eye Drops 👁️💧
What it is: Low-dose atropine is a medicated eye drop used at bedtime to slow myopia progression in children.
How it works: Atropine affects certain receptors in the eye to reduce the growth signals that lead to myopia.
Evidence: The ATOM2 and LAMP studies show that 0.01% to 0.05% atropine concentrations are effective in reducing myopia progression, with minimal side effects such as light sensitivity or near blur. 0.05% is more effective but may have slightly more side effects.
Who it's for: Children aged 4 and above with fast-progressing myopia.
Key advantage: Simple to use, and widely available through ophthalmologists.
2. Myopia Control Spectacle Lenses 👓
What it is: These are specially designed glasses that incorporate peripheral defocus or lenslet technologies to slow myopic eye growth.
Examples:
Essilor Stellest
Hoya MiYOSMART
Zeiss MyoCARE
How it works: They correct central vision while simultaneously delivering defocus signals in the peripheral retina, signalling the eye to slow down its elongation.
Evidence: Clinical trials show up to 40-67% reduction in myopia progression with consistent use (e.g., the Stellest 2-year study in China, MiyoSMART 2-year study in Hong Kong, MyoCARE 1-year study globally).
Who it's for: Children of all ages, especially those uncomfortable with eye drops or contact lenses.
Key advantage: Safe, easy to wear, and no eye contact required.
3. Soft Myopia Control Contact Lenses 👁️🌀
What it is: Daily disposable soft contact lenses with specially designed optics for myopia control.
Examples:
CooperVision MiSight 1 day
J&J Abiliti 1 day
How it works: These lenses provide myopic defocus zones similar to myopia control glasses but in a contact lens format.
Evidence: The MiSight clinical trial demonstrated a 59% reduction in axial elongation and 52% slower refractive progression and Abiliti 1 day demonstrated efficacy to slow myopia progression.
Who it's for: Active children aged 8 and above who are comfortable with handling contact lenses.
Key advantage: Great for sporty kids or those who prefer not to wear glasses.
4. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) 🌙👓
What it is: Rigid gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight that reshape the cornea temporarily to correct vision during the day.
How it works: In addition to correcting vision, Ortho-K lenses provide peripheral myopic defocus while slowing axial elongation.
Evidence: Studies like ROMIO and CRAYON show 30–60% reduction in myopia progression when used consistently.
Who it's for: Children and teens aged 7 and older, especially those who don’t want to wear correction during the day.
Key advantage: Clear vision all day without glasses or daytime lenses.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Myopia often progresses quickly during childhood. The earlier you start managing it, the better the outcomes. Combining lifestyle changes (like outdoor time and reduced near work) with one or more of these proven methods can dramatically reduce the risk of high myopia.
Which Treatment Is Right for Your Child?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. A comprehensive eye exam and axial length measurement are needed to determine:
The rate of progression
Risk factors (family history, onset age)
The most suitable treatment plan
At International Eye Institute, we work with top clinicians to offer personalized, evidence-based solutions to protect your child’s vision for life.
👉 Book an eye exam today and find out which myopia control option is right for your child.
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