What Are Myopia Control Lenses?
Quick Summary for Parents
What They Are
Myopia control lenses are prescription lenses designed for children with nearsightedness to provide clear everyday vision while supporting myopia management for suitable children.
How They Differ
Unlike regular single-vision lenses, myopia control lenses use a specialized optical design to provide clear vision while supporting myopia management for suitable children.
What Parents Should Know
Myopia control lenses do not cure or reverse myopia. Children still need regular eye exams and an up-to-date prescription from an eye care professional.
Educational guide only. Please follow guidance from your child’s eye care professional.
References reviewed: AAO, AOA, and International Myopia Institute.
When Should Parents Ask About Myopia Control Lenses?
Parents may want to ask about myopia control lenses when a child already has myopia and the prescription becomes stronger over time. An eye care professional can help determine whether myopia management may be suitable based on the child’s age, prescription history, and vision needs.
It may be worth discussing myopia management if:
- Your child has been diagnosed with myopia.
- The prescription has become stronger between eye exams.
- Myopia began at a young age.
- One or both parents are nearsighted.
- Your child’s eye care professional recommends discussing myopia management.
How Are Myopia Control Lenses Different From Regular Kids’ Glasses?
Regular single-vision lenses mainly correct blurry distance vision. Myopia control lenses also provide clear vision, but use a specialized optical design to support myopia management for suitable children.
Regular Kids’ Glasses
Clear Vision Correction
Designed mainly to correct blurry distance vision for everyday activities such as school, reading, and play.
Myopia Control Lenses
Clear Vision + Myopia Management
Designed to provide clear everyday vision while supporting myopia management for suitable children.
Want to learn more about the lens design? Read how myopia control lenses help manage childhood myopia.
Are Myopia Control Lenses Suitable for Every Child?
No. Myopia control lenses are not automatically suitable for every child with myopia. Suitability depends on factors such as age, current prescription, prescription changes over time, daily vision needs, and professional guidance.
Current Prescription
A recent prescription helps show your child’s current vision correction needs.
Prescription History
Changes between eye exams help show whether myopia is progressing.
Age and Daily Needs
Age, daily activities, and comfort can affect which lens option is practical.
Professional Recommendation
An eye care professional should confirm whether this option may be suitable.
Regular eye exams remain important before and during any myopia management plan.
What Should Parents Know Before Choosing Myopia Control Lenses?
Before choosing myopia control lenses, parents should have a current prescription, confirm suitability with an eye care professional, select a comfortable frame, and plan for regular follow-up eye exams.
Updated Prescription
Use an up-to-date prescription that includes the information required for the selected lenses.
Professional Guidance
Ask your child’s eye care professional whether myopia control lenses may be suitable.
Comfortable, Secure Fit
Choose a frame that fits securely and can be worn comfortably throughout the day.
Regular Follow-Up
Continue regular eye exams to monitor prescription changes and overall eye health.
What Can Myopia Control Lenses Do—and What Can’t They Do?
What They Can Do
- Correct blurry distance vision.
- Provide clear vision for everyday activities.
- Support myopia management in suitable children.
- Form part of an ongoing vision care plan.
What They Cannot Do
- Cure or reverse myopia.
- Eliminate the need for an updated prescription.
- Replace regular eye exams or professional guidance.
- Guarantee the same result for every child.
How Can Parents Get Started With Myopia Control Lenses?
- Schedule an eye exam Get an up-to-date prescription and discuss any changes since your child’s previous eye exam.
- Discuss Lens Suitability Ask your child’s eye care professional whether myopia control lenses may be suitable.
- Choose a Frame and Lens Option Select a comfortable, secure frame, provide the prescription details, and choose the appropriate lens option during ordering.
Explore Myopia Control Options
With a recent prescription, you can explore kid-friendly frames and myopia control lens options designed for everyday comfort.
Educational Sources
This page provides general educational information and does not replace advice from your child’s eye care professional.
- International Myopia Institute — Clinical Management Myopia Guidelines
- International Myopia Institute — White Papers & Clinical Summaries
- American Optometric Association — Myopia (Nearsightedness)
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