The Newest Ways to Slow Myopia (Nearsightedness) in Kids

If your child’s glasses prescription seems to get stronger every year, you’re not imagining it. Childhood myopia is rising fast, and it’s starting earlier than ever. Some projections estimate that by 2030, nearly half of North America will have myopia.  That matters because myopia is not just “blurry distance vision”; it’s often linked to the eye growing longer over time (axial elongation), and higher levels of myopia increase the risk of serious, sight-threatening problems later in life.

Why increasing myopia is a bigger deal than just stronger glasses

When myopia progresses, the eye typically elongates. Higher myopia is associated with increased lifetime risk of issues like retinal tears/detachment and myopic maculopathy (degenerative changes in the retina that can permanently impact vision).  The goal of myopia management is simple: slow down that progression while your child’s eyes are still developing.

The good news: we now have modern options that can slow it down

At Vivid Visions Optometry, Inc., we’re excited to introduce two of the most evidence-backed, “new generation” myopia control options:

1) MiSight 1 day (daily contact lenses for myopia control)

MiSight is an FDA-approved daily disposable contact lens designed to slow myopia progression in children. In a 3-year randomized clinical trial, MiSight slowed myopia progression by about 59% and reduced axial length growth by about 52% compared with standard single-vision contact lenses.

Even better, longer-term published data continues to support meaningful slowing of eye growth over time (which is what we care about most).

Who it’s great for: kids who are ready for contact lenses and want a simple daily routine with strong clinical evidence behind it.

2) Essilor Stellest (specialty myopia-control glasses lenses)

Stellest lenses use a highly aspherical lenslet design to create a signal that helps slow the eye’s elongation. In a 2-year randomized clinical trial (HAL design), these lenses slowed myopia progression by about 0.80 D (55%) and reduced axial elongation by about 0.35 mm (51%) compared with standard single-vision lenses.

Stellest is also gaining momentum in the U.S. as a non-contact-lens option for families who want myopia control using glasses.

Who it’s great for: kids who prefer glasses, younger kids not ready for contacts, or families wanting a non-contact-lens option that still targets progression.

So which one is “best”?

It depends on your child’s age, prescription, rate of change, daily routine, and comfort level. Some kids do best with glasses-based myopia control; others do great with daily contacts. The key is getting an evidence-based plan early, then tracking progression over time.

Want to learn your child’s options?

If you’re worried your child’s nearsightedness is increasing, reach out. We’ll review your child’s history, measure progression, and discuss which myopia control option fits best.

Vivid Visions Optometry, Inc. is located in Valencia, California, and we also offer virtual consultations to help patients find doctors in their area.

Schedule here: www.vividvisionsoptometry.com/appointments