How to Control Myopia in Children – and Why It Matters

If your child already has myopia, the most important question is not whether they will wear glasses, but how quickly their vision will worsen.

Myopia (nearsightedness) is a condition that progresses over time—especially during childhood—and can lead to higher prescriptions and an increased risk of serious eye diseases later in life.

Why Is Myopia Control Important?

Many parents think of myopia simply as an inconvenience corrected with glasses. In reality, progressive myopia can increase the risk of:

  • retinal detachment
  • glaucoma
  • myopic macular degeneration
  • permanent vision impairment

The higher the prescription becomes, the greater the risk. That is why myopia control is not just about comfort, but about long-term eye health.

How Is Myopia Controlled?

Myopia control includes methods that not only correct vision, but also slow down its progression.

Among the most effective modern solutions are:

  • specialized contact lenses
  • orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
  • individualized ophthalmic approaches tailored to each patient

Ortho-K Lenses (Overnight Lenses): A Modern Non-Surgical Solution

Ortho-K lenses are one of the most effective non-invasive methods for controlling myopia in children. These are rigid contact lenses custom-made for each eye and worn only while the child sleeps. During the day, there is no need for glasses or contact lenses.

How Do They Work?

The lenses gently reshape the cornea overnight so that:

  • they are removed in the morning
  • during the day, the child can see clearly without glasses or contact lenses

The Most Important Advantage

In addition to providing clear vision, Ortho-K lenses help slow the progression of myopia. This makes them especially suitable for children during the active years when vision changes most rapidly.

Comfort and Safety

  • worn only at night
  • no restrictions during the day
  • suitable for sports and an active lifestyle

Are Ortho-K Lenses Suitable for Your Child?

Ortho-K lenses may be suitable in cases of:

  • myopia (up to certain prescription levels)
  • progressing nearsightedness
  • a desire for non-surgical myopia control

At VISION, we perform a detailed diagnostic assessment and create a personalized myopia control plan for each child.

When Should You Consult a Specialist?

If your child:

  • squints frequently
  • has difficulty seeing at a distance
  • sits too close to screens

these may be early signs of myopia.

Learn more about the symptoms here: https://visionclinic.bg/en/resursi-en/blog/squinting-in-children-an-early-sign-of-myopia/

Myopia cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. The earlier myopia management begins, the better the long-term outcomes tend to be.