Myopia Control: The Types of Methods to Slow Nearsightedness Progression

Introduction

Myopia (nearsightedness) is increasing globally, affecting millions of children and young adults. While glasses correct blurry vision, they don’t slow myopia progression. Fortunately, several myopia control methods can help reduce axial elongation, the main cause of worsening myopia.

1. Types of Myopia Control Methods

🔹 Myopia Control Glasses

• DIMS (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments): Found in Hoya MiYOSMART lenses, these lenses combine clear and defocus zones to slow eye elongation.

• HALT (Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target): Used in Essilor Stellest lenses, these lenses reduce myopia progression while maintaining smooth vision.

• C.A.R.E. Technology (Zeiss MyoCare): A newer technology that ensures consistent defocus at all angles.

• Effectiveness: Up to 67% reduction in myopia progression when worn consistently.

🔹  Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

• Overnight rigid contact lenses that temporarily reshape the cornea, allowing for clear daytime vision without glasses.

• Provides full correction for the day while also controlling myopia progression.

• Effectiveness: 40–60% reduction in myopia progression.

• Best for: Active children or teens who prefer not to wear glasses during the day.

🔹 Atropine Eye Drops

• Low-dose atropine (0.01–0.05%) has been shown to slow axial elongation with minimal side effects.

• Works best when combined with DIMS lenses or Ortho-K.

• Effectiveness: 50–70% reduction in myopia progression.

• Best for: Children with fast-progressing myopia or those who can’t tolerate specialty lenses.

🔹 Myopia Control Contact Lenses

• Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses: Daily-wear lenses like CooperVision MiSight use a center-distance design to provide both clear vision and myopia control.

• Effectiveness: Up to 59% reduction in myopia progression.

• Best for: Children comfortable with contact lenses who prefer a non-surgical daytime option.

🔹 Lifestyle & Environmental Changes

• Outdoor Time: At least 2 hours of daylight exposure per day helps slow myopia progression.

• Reduced Screen Time & Near Work: Following the 20-20-20 rule (look away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds at something 20 feet away) helps reduce eye strain.

• Effectiveness: Helps prevent rapid progression, especially when combined with other treatments.

2. Choosing the Best Myopia Control Method

✔ For mild to moderate myopia – DIMS, HALT, or MyoCare glasses.
✔ For active children – Ortho-K for day-long freedom from glasses.
✔ For high myopia risk – Atropine drops combined with glasses or Ortho-K.
✔ For screen-heavy lifestyles – Soft myopia control contact lenses.

Conclusion

There’s no single best myopia control method—a combination approach often works best. Consult an eye care professional to find the most effective strategy for long-term myopia management and better eye health.