Myopia Control in Children has become one of the most important topics in modern eye care. With more children developing short-sightedness at younger ages than ever before, parents are increasingly asking the same question:
Can my child’s eyesight be protected before it gets significantly worse?
The encouraging answer is yes.
While myopia cannot currently be cured, scientific research over the past decade has shown that several evidence-based treatments can significantly slow its progression. Early intervention may reduce the risk of serious eye diseases later in life and help children enjoy better vision throughout their lives.
At First Choice Vision, we regularly help families understand the latest research on myopia control in children and guide them through the treatment options that may be suitable for their child’s individual needs.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain what myopia control is, why childhood myopia is increasing around the world, compare today’s leading treatment options—including Essilor Stellest™ lenses, MiYOSMART, orthokeratology and low-dose atropine eye drops—and answer the most common questions parents ask.
Whether your child has just been diagnosed with short-sightedness or you’re looking for the most up-to-date information on myopia management, this guide will help you make informed decisions with confidence.
• What is Myopia Control in Children?
• Why is Childhood Myopia Increasing?
• Why Early Treatment Matters
• How Does Myopia Progress?
• Which Myopia Control Treatment Works Best?
• Essilor Stellest™ Lenses Explained
• Hoya MiYOSMART Lenses Explained
• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
• Multifocal Contact Lenses
• Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops
• Can Outdoor Time Help Prevent Myopia?
• Lifestyle Tips for Parents
• Frequently Asked Questions
• When Should You Book a Myopia Assessment?
Myopia, commonly known as short-sightedness, is a condition where distant objects appear blurred while close objects remain clear.
This usually happens because the eye grows slightly longer than normal during childhood. As the eye becomes longer, light focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it, causing blurred distance vision.
Children with myopia may struggle to:
While glasses or contact lenses can correct blurred vision, standard prescription lenses do not slow the progression of myopia.
This is where myopia control becomes important.
Myopia Control in Children refers to evidence-based treatments designed to slow the progression of short-sightedness, rather than simply correcting blurry vision.
Instead of only improving how a child sees today, myopia control aims to reduce how quickly the prescription increases as the child grows.
This is important because the degree of myopia isn’t just about needing stronger glasses.
Higher levels of myopia are associated with an increased lifetime risk of eye conditions such as:
By slowing eye growth during childhood, myopia control may reduce the likelihood of these complications later in life.
Over the last two decades, eye care professionals around the world have seen a dramatic rise in childhood myopia.
Researchers estimate that by 2050, nearly half of the world’s population may be myopic, making it one of the fastest-growing eye health concerns globally.
Although genetics play an important role, modern lifestyles are also contributing to this increase.
Several factors have been associated with faster myopia progression, including:
Children today often spend many hours each day using digital devices, completing homework indoors and participating in indoor activities, leaving less opportunity for natural outdoor light exposure.
Scientific research suggests that spending adequate time outdoors during childhood may help reduce the risk of developing myopia and may slow its progression in some children.
Many parents assume stronger glasses simply come with growing up.
However, rapidly increasing prescriptions should not always be considered “normal.”
The younger a child becomes myopic, the longer their eyes have to continue growing. This means children diagnosed at six or seven years of age often have a higher chance of developing high myopia by adulthood compared with children who become short-sighted later in life.
That’s why early diagnosis is so valuable.
Starting myopia control in children at the appropriate time may significantly slow prescription changes during the years when eye growth is most active.
Just as orthodontic treatment is often easier when started early, managing myopia during childhood provides the greatest opportunity to influence long-term visual outcomes.
Although every child is different, an assessment for myopia control may be appropriate if your child:
If you’ve noticed these signs, you may also find our guide 10 Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Test: A Parent’s Guide helpful.
If your child has already been diagnosed with short-sightedness, we also recommend reading Myopia in Children: Signs, Causes and Myopia Control Options for Parents in St Albans.
Parents today aren’t just looking for stronger glasses—they’re looking for ways to protect their child’s long-term eye health.
The growing awareness of treatments such as Essilor Stellest™ lenses, orthokeratology, and low-dose atropine has shifted the conversation from simply correcting vision to actively managing myopia progression.
The key question is no longer:
“Does my child need glasses?”
Instead, it’s becoming:
“What’s the best way to help protect my child’s vision for the future?”
In the next section, we’ll compare each major myopia control option, explain how they work, review the latest scientific evidence, and help you understand which approach may be most appropriate for different children.
One of the first questions parents ask after their child is diagnosed with short-sightedness is:
“Which treatment is the best?”
The answer isn’t always straightforward.
There is no single treatment that is suitable for every child. The most appropriate option depends on several factors, including your child’s age, prescription, rate of myopia progression, eye health, lifestyle and ability to follow the recommended treatment plan.
A comprehensive eye examination allows your optometrist to recommend the most suitable approach based on your child’s individual needs.
Today, several evidence-based myopia control treatments are available, each with different benefits and considerations.
Let’s look at each option.
For many families, specially designed spectacle lenses are often the easiest and most practical way to begin myopia control in children.
Among the latest developments in myopia management, Essilor Stellest™ lenses have become one of the most researched and innovative spectacle lens technologies available.
Unlike ordinary prescription glasses that simply correct blurred vision, Stellest lenses are specifically designed to help slow the progression of myopia while providing clear everyday vision.
The technology behind Stellest lenses uses thousands of highly aspherical lenslets arranged across the lens surface. This unique optical design creates what researchers call a “volume of myopic defocus,” helping reduce the stimulus that encourages the eye to continue growing longer.
Since excessive eye growth is one of the main reasons myopia progresses, slowing this growth is an important goal of modern myopia management.
Essilor Stellest™ lenses incorporate Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target (H.A.L.T.) technology, an innovative optical design developed to create a volume of myopic defocus across the retina while maintaining clear central vision. The aim is to reduce the stimulus that encourages excessive eye growth, which is one of the main drivers of myopia progression in children.
Unlike conventional spectacle lenses that simply correct blurred vision, Stellest lenses are designed to actively support myopia control while remaining comfortable for everyday wear.
Parents often prefer Stellest lenses because they:
Many families appreciate having a treatment option that fits naturally into their child’s daily routine without requiring complicated care or additional procedures.
Clinical studies have shown that Essilor Stellest™ lenses can significantly reduce the progression of myopia and eye elongation in many children when worn consistently as recommended.
Research has also demonstrated continued effectiveness over multiple years of follow-up, making Stellest one of the most extensively studied spectacle lens options currently available.
While every child responds differently, these results have contributed to Stellest becoming an increasingly popular choice for managing childhood myopia worldwide.
Although Stellest lenses are an excellent option for many children, they may not always be the best choice for everyone.
Your optometrist will consider factors such as:
before recommending the most appropriate treatment.
Another well-known spectacle lens designed for myopia control in children is MiYOSMART, developed by Hoya.
MiYOSMART lenses use a different optical technology called Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS).
Like Stellest, these lenses provide clear central vision while introducing peripheral optical defocus designed to help slow excessive eye growth.
Clinical studies have shown positive outcomes for many children using MiYOSMART lenses, making them another evidence-based option for myopia management.
Both Stellest and MiYOSMART represent significant advances beyond traditional single-vision spectacles.
Parents often ask whether Stellest or MiYOSMART is “better.”
The reality is that both are evidence-based myopia control lenses supported by clinical research.
Rather than asking which lens is universally superior, the more appropriate question is:
Which option is most suitable for your child’s individual visual needs?
Factors such as prescription, lifestyle, visual demands and clinical findings all contribute to selecting the most appropriate treatment.
At First Choice Vision, we believe treatment recommendations should always be personalised rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
Orthokeratology, commonly known as Ortho-K, involves specially designed rigid contact lenses that are worn overnight while sleeping.
These lenses gently reshape the front surface of the eye so that children can usually see clearly during the day without wearing glasses or contact lenses.
Research suggests that Orthokeratology may also help slow the progression of myopia in suitable children.
However, because contact lenses are worn overnight, excellent hygiene and regular professional monitoring are essential to minimise the risk of complications.
For motivated families who understand the importance of lens care, Orthokeratology may be an effective option.
Certain soft contact lenses are also designed specifically for myopia control in children.
These lenses provide clear distance vision while creating specialised peripheral optics that may help slow eye growth.
Some children, particularly those involved in regular sport or other active activities, may prefer contact lenses instead of spectacles.
Successful contact lens wear depends on:
Not every child is ready for contact lenses, which is why a comprehensive assessment is important before making a recommendation.
Low-dose atropine eye drops have become another evidence-based option for myopia control in children.
These prescription eye drops are used daily under professional supervision and may help slow the progression of myopia in some children.
The most appropriate concentration and treatment plan vary depending on the individual child and should always be determined by an experienced eye care professional.
Children using atropine require regular reviews to monitor vision, prescription changes and treatment response.
In some situations, eye care professionals may recommend combining more than one myopia control strategy.
For example, a child may wear Essilor Stellest™ lenses while also following lifestyle recommendations such as increasing outdoor time and reducing prolonged periods of continuous near work.
The most appropriate management plan depends on how quickly the myopia is progressing and how the child responds over time.
Because every child is different, regular follow-up examinations remain an essential part of successful myopia management.
One of the simplest and most effective habits parents can encourage is spending more time outdoors.
Research from around the world has shown that children who spend more time outside are generally less likely to develop myopia, particularly during their early school years.
While outdoor activity does not cure myopia or replace professional treatment, it appears to have a protective effect against the development of short-sightedness.
Experts believe that exposure to natural daylight may help regulate healthy eye growth during childhood, although researchers continue to investigate the exact biological mechanisms involved.
For this reason, many eye care professionals recommend encouraging children to spend at least two hours outdoors each day whenever practical.
Outdoor play offers many additional health benefits, making it a positive habit regardless of whether a child has myopia.
This is one of the most common questions parents ask.
The answer is not as simple as yes or no.
Digital devices themselves are not believed to permanently damage the eyes or directly cause myopia.
However, prolonged periods of continuous close work, such as using tablets, smartphones or computers without regular breaks, may contribute to the progression of myopia in children who are already at risk.
Today’s children often spend many hours each day:
Combined with reduced outdoor activity, these lifestyle changes are thought to play an important role in the worldwide increase in childhood myopia.
Parents can help by encouraging healthy visual habits, including:
Unfortunately, no.
At present, there is no permanent cure for myopia.
However, modern myopia control treatments may help slow the progression of short-sightedness during childhood.
This is an important distinction.
Treatment aims to reduce how quickly the prescription changes rather than eliminating myopia completely.
Children who receive early intervention may finish their growing years with a lower prescription than they otherwise would have developed.
That reduction may lower the lifetime risk of several serious eye diseases associated with high myopia.
Not every child requires the same treatment.
A comprehensive eye examination allows your optometrist to determine whether myopia control in children is appropriate.
Treatment may be recommended for children who:
Because every child progresses differently, treatment recommendations should always be personalised.
| Treatment | Corrects Vision | May Slow Myopia Progression | Suitable for Many Children | Requires Daily Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essilor Stellest™ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Wear glasses daily |
| MiYOSMART | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Wear glasses daily |
| Orthokeratology | ✅ | ✅ | Selected children | Overnight lenses |
| Multifocal Contact Lenses | ✅ | ✅ | Older responsible children | Daily lens care |
| Low-Dose Atropine | ❌ Glasses still usually needed | ✅ | Selected children | Daily eye drops |
Parents often ask why Essilor Stellest™ lenses have received so much attention in recent years.
One reason is that they combine the familiarity of wearing everyday spectacles with innovative optical technology specifically designed for myopia control in children.
For many families, this means children can continue their normal daily activities while using a treatment supported by clinical research.
Stellest lenses may be particularly attractive for younger children who are not yet ready for contact lenses or whose parents prefer a spectacle-based approach.
Like all evidence-based myopia management strategies, success depends on wearing the lenses consistently and attending regular follow-up appointments.
Rather than asking,
“Which treatment is the best?”
parents should ask,
“Which treatment is the best for my child?”
Every child has different visual needs, different lifestyles and different rates of progression.
During a comprehensive consultation at First Choice Vision, we consider:
before recommending a personalised management plan.
Successful myopia control in children usually involves a combination of:
The goal is not simply helping children see clearly today.
The goal is protecting their vision for the future.
Don’t wait for your child’s prescription to become very high before discussing myopia control.
Research suggests that earlier intervention often provides greater opportunity to slow progression while the eyes are still developing.
If your child’s glasses prescription changes every year, it is worth discussing myopia management options with your optometrist.
If your child is showing early signs of blurred distance vision, you may also find our guide 10 Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Test helpful.
There is no single age that is right for every child. Myopia control is generally considered once a child has been diagnosed with myopia and there is evidence that their prescription is progressing. The earlier myopia progression is identified, the greater the opportunity to help slow it. A comprehensive eye examination can determine whether myopia control in children is appropriate.
No.
Current treatments are designed to slow the progression of myopia, not stop it completely or cure it.
Many children still experience prescription changes while undergoing treatment, but slowing progression may reduce the likelihood of developing high myopia and associated eye health complications later in life.
For many children, Essilor Stellest™ lenses are an excellent spectacle-based option for myopia control in children. Unlike conventional single-vision glasses, Stellest lenses are specifically designed to both correct blurred distance vision and help slow myopia progression.
Stellest lenses use Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target (H.A.L.T.) technology, which creates a volume of myopic defocus designed to help reduce the stimulus for excessive eye growth. Clinical studies have shown that children wearing Stellest lenses experienced significantly slower myopia progression and reduced eye elongation compared with conventional single-vision lenses when worn consistently.
Whether Stellest is the most appropriate option depends on your child’s age, prescription, rate of progression, lifestyle and overall eye health. Following a comprehensive eye examination, your optometrist can recommend the most suitable evidence-based treatment for your child’s individual needs.
Both Essilor Stellest™ and MiYOSMART are evidence-based spectacle lenses designed specifically for myopia control in children.
Rather than asking which is universally better, it is more important to determine which option best suits your child’s individual needs.
Your optometrist will recommend the most appropriate treatment after assessing your child’s vision, eye health and rate of myopia progression.
Prolonged periods of close work, including extended screen use without regular breaks, may contribute to faster myopia progression in some children.
Encouraging regular breaks, maintaining a comfortable viewing distance and spending time outdoors each day are all important habits that support healthy visual development.
Yes.
Research suggests that spending more time outdoors may reduce the risk of children developing myopia and may also help support healthy eye development.
Although outdoor activity is not a treatment on its own, it is considered an important part of a comprehensive myopia management strategy.
Absolutely.
Essilor Stellest™ lenses look and function much like conventional spectacle lenses while incorporating specialised optical technology designed for myopia control.
Many children comfortably wear Stellest lenses during school, sport and everyday activities.
Not necessarily.
Every child progresses differently.
A comprehensive eye examination allows your optometrist to assess whether myopia control in children is likely to be beneficial based on the child’s prescription, age, family history and rate of progression.
Children receiving myopia management usually require regular review appointments to monitor prescription changes, eye growth and treatment effectiveness.
Your optometrist will recommend an appropriate review schedule based on your child’s individual needs.
Yes.
Children with one or both parents who are short-sighted have a higher likelihood of developing myopia themselves.
However, genetics is only one factor. Lifestyle factors such as outdoor activity and prolonged close work may also influence myopia development.
Myopia itself does not “return” because it is usually still present.
However, after treatment stops, the prescription may continue to change depending on the child’s age and eye growth.
Regular follow-up examinations remain important throughout childhood.
The best treatment depends on your child’s individual needs.
Following a comprehensive eye examination, your optometrist will discuss the available evidence-based options, answer your questions and recommend a personalised management plan.
Choosing the right eye care provider is just as important as choosing the right myopia treatment.
At First Choice Vision, we believe every child deserves personalised care based on the latest scientific evidence—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
We take the time to understand your child’s vision, lifestyle and eye health before recommending the most appropriate management plan.
Our experienced optometrists provide comprehensive children’s eye examinations, myopia management and ongoing monitoring using modern diagnostic technology in a welcoming, family-friendly environment.
We proudly care for families across:
If your child has recently been diagnosed with myopia, or you’ve noticed changes in their vision, early assessment can make a real difference.
At First Choice Vision, we’re committed to helping families understand myopia control in children and guiding them through the latest evidence-based treatment options, including Essilor Stellest™ lenses, so they can make informed decisions with confidence.
Book a comprehensive children’s eye examination today and take the first step towards protecting your child’s long-term eye health.
Continue learning with these helpful guides:
➡️ 10 Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Test: A Parent’s Guide
➡️ Myopia in Children: Signs, Causes and Myopia Control Options for Parents in St Albans
The information in this article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not replace personalised advice from a qualified optometrist or other healthcare professional.
Every child's eyes are different. If you have concerns about your child's vision or eye health, book a comprehensive eye examination with an experienced optometrist.
First Choice Vision is an independent optometry practice in St Albans, Melbourne, providing comprehensive eye examinations, children's vision care, myopia management, designer eyewear and personalised eye care for families across Melbourne's western suburbs.
Our commitment is simple: to provide evidence-based eye care, honest advice and personalised solutions that help every patient enjoy the best possible vision throughout life.
The information in this guide is based on current research and evidence-based recommendations from leading eye care organisations. If you’d like to learn more about myopia and myopia control, these trusted resources may be helpful:
Reviewed by the First Choice Vision Optometry Team
This article has been reviewed by the experienced optometry team at First Choice Vision to ensure it reflects current evidence-based recommendations and best practices in children’s eye care and myopia management.