Myopia Treatment Options: Finding the Best Solution for Clearer Vision
Myopia, or short-sightedness, is a common vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while near vision remains clear.
It often begins in childhood and progresses over time, increasing the risk of serious eye conditions like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration later in life.
At Fitzgerald Optometry, we provide advanced myopia treatment options to help slow progression and protect long-term eye health.
While there are several treatments available, we highly recommend Ortho-K as a safe and effective non-surgical solution for managing myopia.
Myopia Treatment Options: Pros and Cons
There are multiple treatment methods designed to slow down the worsening of myopia. Below, we compare the most common options to help you make an informed decision.
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) – Our Recommended Solution
What It Is:
- Ortho-K involves wearing specialised rigid contact lenses overnight that gently reshape the cornea while you sleep.
- This provides clear vision throughout the day without needing glasses or contact lenses.
Pros:
- Clinically proven to slow myopia progression
- Non-surgical and fully reversible
- Great for active children and teens (no need to wear contacts during the day)
- Reduces the long-term risks associated with high myopia
Cons:
- Requires consistent overnight wear for best results
- Initial adaptation period (can take a few nights to adjust)
Why We Recommend It:
Ortho-K is one of the most effective methods for controlling myopia progression while offering freedom from daytime glasses or contact lenses. Learn more about Ortho-K here.
- MiSight® 1 Day Contact Lenses
What It Is:
- Soft daily disposable contact lenses designed specifically for myopia control.
- Uses a dual-focus optical design to slow the eye’s elongation and myopia progression.
Pros:
- Clinically proven to slow myopia progression by up to 59%
- Safe and comfortable for children as young as 8 years old
- Convenient daily disposable lenses with no cleaning required
Cons:
- Must be worn consistently during waking hours
- Less effective than Ortho-K in myopia control
Best for:
Children and teens who are comfortable wearing contact lenses during the day but are not ready for Ortho-K.
- Myopia Control Spectacle Lenses (MiYOSMART & Stellest)
What It Is:
- Specially designed glasses with defocus technology to slow down myopia progression.
- Helps reduce eye strain and offers an alternative for those who don’t want contact lenses.
Pros:
- Non-invasive and easy to wear
- Effective for younger children who aren’t suitable for contact lenses
- Ideal for those with dry eyes or contact lens sensitivity
Cons:
- Not as effective as Ortho-K or MiSight® lenses
- Glasses-dependent – does not offer freedom from eyewear
Best for:
Children who prefer glasses over contact lenses and need a comfortable, non-invasive solution.
- Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops
What It Is:
A prescription eye drop used at bedtime to slow the progression of myopia by relaxing the eye’s focusing muscles.
Pros:
- Easy to use and works well when combined with other treatments
- Can be used in children as young as 5 years old
- Helps slow eye elongation
Cons:
- Does not correct vision, so glasses or contact lenses are still needed
- May cause light sensitivity or blurred near vision
- Effectiveness varies from person to person
Best for:
Children with rapidly progressing myopia, particularly when combined with Ortho-K or MiSight®.
Why We Recommend Ortho-K for Myopia Control
While all of the above treatments can help slow myopia progression, Ortho-K offers the most comprehensive benefits for children and teenagers.
- Proven to slow myopia progression more effectively than glasses or standard contact lenses
- Non-surgical and reversible – a safer alternative to LASIK later in life
- No need for daytime glasses or contact lenses – perfect for active children
- Reduces the risk of high myopia-related complications such as retinal detachment and glaucoma
At Fitzgerald Optometry, we are skilled in Ortho-K fittings and provide tailored guidance to ensure a comfortable and successful experience. Learn more about Ortho-K here.
Which Myopia Treatment Is Right for Your Child?
Choosing the right myopia treatment depends on factors like age, lifestyle, and the severity of myopia progression. Our experienced optometrists at Fitzgerald Optometry provide comprehensive eye exams to assess your child’s vision and recommend the most suitable myopia control option.
If you’re unsure which treatment is best, book an eye exam with us today to discuss the options.
Book a Myopia Control Consultation Today
Managing myopia early is crucial to prevent serious vision problems later in life. If your child has been diagnosed with myopia, now is the time to take action.
Contact Fitzgerald Optometry today to schedule a consultation and find the best myopia control solution for your child’s vision.