Myopia, or nearsightedness, isn’t just a passing inconvenience. The prevalence of myopia is skyrocketing globally, and children are the most affected. In fact, research shows that nearly 50% of the global population could be myopic by 2050.

As a parent, it’s natural to worry about your child’s eyesight and wonder what can be done to manage worsening myopia. The good news? Technologies like daily myopia contact lenses and orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses are providing effective solutions to slow myopia progression. 

Deciding between daily myopia contact and ortho-k lenses comes down to your child’s needs and lifestyle. A couple of factors to keep in mind include:

• Daily myopia contact lenses are ideal for younger kids and offer a simple, low-maintenance option.
• Ortho-k lenses are great for active kids who want freedom from glasses or daytime contacts.

At Dr. Zargar Eyecare, we take a personalized approach using tools like Ocumetra, a myopia management platform that helps us assess your child’s risk, track their progression over time, and compare treatment outcomes. This ensures we recommend options that are truly suited to your child’s vision and lifestyle.

What Is Myopia Control?

Myopia control uses different treatments and strategies to slow down the progression of myopia (also known as nearsightedness). This condition usually shows up in childhood and, if it isn’t managed, it can get worse over time. High myopia can lead to a higher risk of serious eye issues like retinal detachment, glaucoma, or cataracts later in life.

The goal of myopia control isn’t to cure myopia, but to slow its progression as much as possible. These treatments work to address the tendency of myopic eyes to grow more elongated over time. In this way, myopia control protects overall eye health and keeps nearsightedness from becoming too severe.

By managing myopia progression early, especially in children, myopia control can reduce the need for stronger glasses or contact lenses down the road and lower the risk of complications later in life.

Understanding Daily Myopia Contact Lenses

Daily myopia contact lenses, developed specifically for children with myopia, represent an exciting step forward in myopia control. These daily disposable soft contact lenses don’t just provide clear sight, they work actively to slow the progression of myopia over time.

How Daily Myopia Contact Lenses Work

Daily myopia contact lenses use dual-focus technology. While one part of the lens corrects your child’s vision for clear sight, the other part creates a specific optical signal to prevent the eye from growing more elongated. This reduction of elongation is key to slowing the progression of myopia.

Benefits of Daily Myopia Contact Lenses

Daily myopia contact lenses offer several compelling advantages:

• Simplified routine: No cleaning solutions or overnight care needed—they’re worn during the day and tossed out at night.
• Proven effectiveness: Clinical studies report up to a 59% slowing of myopia progression when used regularly.
• Child-friendly design: Soft and comfortable, designed to fit young, developing eyes.
• Convenience and safety: Daily lenses minimize the risks associated with poor contact lens hygiene.

Ideal Candidates for Daily Myopia Contact Lenses

Daily myopia contact lenses can be a suitable option for:

• Children aged 8 to 12 years who are newly diagnosed with myopia.
• Kids who are comfortable with the idea of wearing contact lenses during the day.
• Families looking for an easy-to-manage and low-maintenance myopia control option.

Understanding Ortho-K Lenses

Orthokeratology, commonly known as ortho-k, offers a unique approach to myopia management. These gas-permeable lenses are worn overnight, during which time they gently reshape the cornea temporarily to deliver clear vision throughout the day.

How Ortho-K Lenses Work

Ortho-k lenses gently alter the cornea’s shape while your child sleeps. When the lenses are removed each morning, the temporarily reshaped cornea provides clear daytime vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Additionally, the reshaping process reduces the eye’s tendency to grow more elongated over time, thereby helping to control the progression of myopia.

Benefits of Ortho-K Lenses

Ortho-k lenses bring their own set of noteworthy advantages:

• Freedom from daytime lenses: Say goodbye to glasses or contacts during school, sports, or play. Kids can go about their day with clear vision and without worrying about eyewear.
• Nighttime treatment: Only worn while sleeping, ortho-k lenses streamline the day.
• Studies show effectiveness: Ortho-k lenses can reduce myopia progression by up to 50%.

Ideal Candidates for Ortho-K Lenses

Ortho-k lenses are particularly well-suited for:

• Children aged 6 years and older with mild-to-moderate myopia.
• Active kids who participate in sports and outdoor activities, where glasses or daytime lenses may be inconvenient.
• Families comfortable with the daily routine of inserting, removing, and cleaning overnight lenses.

Daily myopia contact lenses vs. Ortho-K: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Both daily myopia contact lenses and Ortho-K lenses are excellent options for myopia control, but the best choice depends on your child’s lifestyle, preferences, and vision needs. 

Effectiveness in Slowing Myopia Progression

• Daily myopia contact lenses: Demonstrates up to a 59% reduction in myopia progression in clinical studies.
• Ortho-k: Reduces myopia progression by as much as 50%, with the added benefit of providing clear vision during the day.

Comfort & Ease of Use

• Daily myopia contact lenses: Soft, disposable lenses are easy to use, with no need for cleaning or care.
• Ortho-k: Requires a dedicated nighttime routine and strict hygiene practices, which may take some getting used to.

Make an Informed Decision for Your Child’s Vision

Choosing between daily myopia control lenses and ortho-k depends on a combination of factors, including your child’s age, lifestyle, and comfort level with lens care routines. While daily lenses are ideal for kids seeking simplicity and minimal maintenance, ortho-k offers the benefit of glasses-free daytime vision, which is great for active lifestyles.

At Dr. Zargar Eyecare, we’re proud to offer personalized myopia management strategies tailored to each child’s unique needs. As part of our care, we use Ocumetra, an advanced myopia management platform that helps assess risk, track progression, and compare projected outcomes with and without treatment. This allows us to make truly informed recommendations backed by data—not guesswork.Our team is committed to helping you make the right choice for your child’s long-term eye health. Schedule an appointment today to learn more and start your child’s myopia control journey.