Myopia — nearsightedness — is being called an epidemic in children, and the science backs up the alarm. The earlier a child becomes myopic, the faster the prescription tends to progress and the higher the lifetime risk of serious eye disease. The good news: we now have a real toolkit for slowing it down.
What is myopia control?
Myopia control is a set of evidence-based treatments and habit changes designed to slow the elongation of a child’s eyeball — the underlying biological cause of nearsightedness. The goal isn’t just a lower prescription at age 16. It’s a lower lifetime risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration in adulthood, all of which are correlated with high myopia.
Why does childhood myopia matter so much?
Once a child becomes myopic, the prescription typically progresses through the teen years — often by −0.50 to −1.00 diopter per year if uncontrolled. A child who reaches −6.00 or higher faces a meaningfully elevated lifetime risk of:
- Retinal detachment
- Open-angle glaucoma
- Myopic maculopathy
- Cataract development at younger ages
Slowing progression by even half can keep a child below those higher-risk thresholds for life.
What treatment options exist?
1. Stellest spectacle lenses.
The newest tool — FDA-authorized in 2025. Stellest uses 1,021 aspherical lenslets to slow eye elongation. Clinical data shows a 67% reduction in myopia progression vs. single-vision lenses over two years. Best for kids who like glasses and will wear them 12+ hours a day.
2. MiSight 1 Day contact lenses.
The first FDA-approved soft daily disposable contact lens for myopia control. Worn by active kids 8+ who prefer contacts to glasses. Made by CooperVision.
3. NaturalVue specialty multifocal contacts.
A specialty soft daily that uses neurofocus optics to slow eye elongation. Often the right choice when MiSight isn’t available in the child’s prescription range.
4. Low-dose atropine drops (0.01% – 0.05%).
A single drop at bedtime. Used alone or in combination with optical treatments. Best for younger kids or for boosting another treatment’s effect.
5. Overnight orthokeratology (Ortho-K).
Rigid contact lenses worn only during sleep that gently reshape the cornea for clear daytime vision — no glasses or contacts needed during the day. Strongest fit for active kids and serious athletes.
Lifestyle changes that help.
- Outdoor time. 2+ hours of outdoor light per day is independently protective against myopia onset and progression.
- Screen breaks. Every 20 minutes of close work, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Reading distance. Keep books and devices 30+ cm (about 12 inches) from the eyes.
- Regular eye exams. Annual pediatric exams (or every 6 months for kids on active myopia control) catch progression early.
What a myopia control program looks like at Glimpse.
We start with a comprehensive pediatric eye exam that includes a baseline axial length measurement — the real metric for tracking progression. Based on age, prescription, lifestyle, and family history, we recommend a treatment plan and set a 6-month follow-up to measure the effect. Adjustments are made over time as the child grows.
Frequently asked questions.
At what age should we start myopia control?
As soon as your child is myopic, or showing early progression. Most kids start between ages 6 and 12. The earlier the better — the highest progression risk is in the early years.
Is myopia control covered by insurance?
Some components (like the comprehensive exam) are covered. Specialty contact lenses and Stellest spectacle lenses are typically not covered by vision insurance, but FSA/HSA usually applies.
How often do we come back for check-ups?
Every 6 months during active myopia control. We re-measure axial length and prescription to confirm the treatment is working.
Can we combine treatments?
Yes. Combining Stellest + low-dose atropine, or MiSight + atropine, is common and often improves effectiveness for fast-progressing kids.