Myopia Management

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Orthokeratology, commonly known as Ortho-K, is a non-surgical treatment that uses specially designed gas permeable contact lenses worn overnight to gently and temporarily reshape the cornea.

The lenses are removed in the morning, allowing many children to enjoy clear vision throughout the day without wearing glasses or contact lenses. In addition to correcting nearsightedness, Ortho-K has been shown to help slow eye growth associated with myopia progression.

What to Expect

During the initial adjustment period, typically the first one to two weeks, vision may fluctuate as the cornea gradually responds to treatment. Temporary vision correction may be needed during this period until more consistent daytime vision is achieved.

Because Ortho-K lenses are worn during sleep, proper lens handling, cleaning, and hygiene are especially important. Overnight contact lens wear carries a risk of eye infection, and regular follow-up visits are necessary to monitor corneal health, lens fit, and treatment effectiveness.

Dual Focus, Extended Depth of Focus, and Center Distance Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses

Specially designed soft contact lenses can help slow myopia progression while providing clear distance vision during daily activities.

• Dual Focus Contact Lenses — MiSight® 1 day: MiSight 1 day by CooperVision is a daily disposable soft contact lens specifically designed to help slow myopia progression in children. Its dual-focus design incorporates alternating optical zones that correct distance vision while creating myopic defocus, an optical signal intended to help slow excessive eye growth.
• Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF) Contact Lenses — NaturalVue® Enhanced 1 Day Multifocal: NaturalVue Enhanced 1 Day Multifocal by Visioneering Technologies uses a center-distance, extended-depth-of-focus optical design that gradually changes lens power toward the periphery. This design modifies peripheral retinal focus and has been studied for its potential to slow myopia progression.
• Distance-Center Multifocal Contact Lenses: Certain distance-center multifocal contact lenses may also be considered for myopia management. These lenses provide clear central distance vision while incorporating additional optical power toward the periphery. The effectiveness of myopia control can vary depending on the specific lens design.

Personalized Lens Selection

Each lens design has different optical characteristics. We consider your child's prescription, visual clarity, comfort, eye health, and treatment response when recommending the most appropriate option.

Essilor Stellest® Lenses with Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target (HALT) Technology

Essilor Stellest lenses are specially designed eyeglass lenses that not only correct nearsightedness but also help slow myopia progression in children.

Unlike traditional single-vision glasses, Stellest lenses use Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target (HALT) technology. This innovative design incorporates multiple rings of tiny lenslets that create a special pattern of light focusing in front of the retina while maintaining clear vision. This optical signal is designed to help slow excessive eye growth, a major contributor to worsening myopia.

A Non-Contact Lens Option for Myopia Management

Stellest lenses offer a convenient option for children who prefer wearing glasses or may not be ready for contact lenses. They can be incorporated into everyday activities without the need for contact lens insertion, removal, or cleaning.

Clinical studies have demonstrated that Stellest lenses can significantly slow myopia progression compared with conventional single-vision glasses. Consistent wear and regular follow-up examinations are important for achieving and monitoring treatment results.

At Simply Vision Optometry, we evaluate each child's prescription, visual needs, and myopia progression to determine whether Stellest lenses are an appropriate treatment option.

Low-Dose Atropine (0.05%) Eye Drops

Low-dose atropine eye drops are another treatment option used to help slow myopia progression in children.

Atropine 0.05% is generally administered once daily, typically in the evening. Research suggests that this concentration can help reduce myopia progression in some children, although treatment response and side effects vary.

Possible side effects include increased light sensitivity and difficulty focusing at near distances. We discuss the potential benefits, limitations, and appropriate monitoring before starting treatment.

The use of low-dose atropine for myopia management is currently considered off-label in the United States.

Personalized Myopia Management

Every child's eyes develop differently, and no single treatment is appropriate for everyone.

Our myopia management evaluations consider prescription changes, eye health, visual needs, and eye growth. We use axial length measurements when appropriate to help monitor progression and assess treatment response.

Through regular follow-up visits, we evaluate how well treatment is working and make adjustments as needed.

Our goal is to help slow myopia progression while supporting clear vision and long-term eye health.