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Myopia Control Options Explained

Name: Eye Check Calgary Optometry
Address: 100 Anderson Rd SE 2nd Floor, Calgary, AB, T2J 3V1, CA
Telephone: (587) 441-5254

How MiSight lenses, MiyoSmart glasses, atropine drops and ortho-k each work, and how to choose the right one for your child.

In Short

Four options can slow how fast a child's myopia progresses: MiSight daily contact lenses, MiyoSmart glasses, low-dose atropine eye drops and ortho-k overnight lenses. None of them cures nearsightedness, and the right choice depends on your child's age, prescription and routine. If you're looking into myopia control in Calgary, the first step is an exam that shows how quickly your child's eyes are changing.

Why It Matters

It's not about thicker glasses. It's about eye health.

Myopia (nearsightedness) happens when the eye grows too long, so distant objects focus in front of the retina instead of on it. Children's eyes are still growing, which is why a prescription can climb year after year through the school years.

The concern isn't only stronger glasses. The longer the eye becomes, the higher the lifetime risk of problems like retinal detachment, glaucoma and macular damage. Myopia control treatments aim to slow that growth, and starting early gives them the most to work with. They slow progression rather than reverse it, and studies haven't shown the benefit lasts permanently once treatment stops, so it's a plan you keep up through the growing years.

Daily Contact Lenses

MiSight 1 day

How it works: a soft, dual-focus daily lens that corrects vision while sending a signal that slows eye growth
The evidence: in a three-year trial, children wearing MiSight progressed about 59% less than those in regular single-vision lenses
Good fit for: kids who are ready to handle daily contact lenses, with a parent's help
Keep in mind: a fresh pair every day, worn for most of the day, most days of the week

Glasses

MiyoSmart lenses

How it works: glasses lenses with a pattern of tiny lenslets that gently defocus the periphery to slow eye growth, while the center stays clear
The evidence: in a two-year trial, children's eyes grew about 60% less in MiyoSmart than in regular single-vision lenses
Good fit for: younger kids, families who'd rather skip contacts, and kids with astigmatism
Keep in mind: they only work while they're on, so they need to be worn full time

Eye Drops

Low-dose atropine

How it works: a very dilute drop, usually used once a day at bedtime, that slows eye growth. It's compounded to a set strength, and we often work around 0.025%
The evidence: large trials show low-dose atropine slows progression, and the strength is matched to each child
Good fit for: kids who can't or won't wear contacts, or whose myopia is moving quickly. It can also be combined with glasses or lenses
Keep in mind: it's used off-label for myopia in Canada, and some kids notice light sensitivity or blurry near vision

Overnight Lenses

Ortho-K

How it works: rigid gas permeable lenses worn only while sleeping that gently reshape the front of the eye, then come out in the morning for clear vision without glasses or contacts
The evidence: studies show roughly 40 to 45% less eye growth than with single-vision lenses
Good fit for: active kids and swimmers who like glasses-free days
Keep in mind: lenses go in every night, careful lens hygiene matters, and the eye returns to its original shape if you stop

Percentages are averages from published clinical trials, compared with standard single-vision lenses. Individual results vary.

How to Choose

The best option is the one your child will actually stick with.

Age, prescription, astigmatism, activity level and comfort with lenses all play a part. Some children do best with a combination, such as glasses or lenses plus atropine, especially if their eyes are changing quickly. Whatever you choose, time outdoors and regular breaks from close-up work are worth encouraging too. Your optometrist can help you weigh the trade-offs and adjust the plan as your child grows.

What We Can Do

A plan built around your child.

At Eye Check Calgary, myopia control starts with a thorough exam of how your child's eyes are developing, followed by a plan matched to their age, eye anatomy, family history and daily routine. We offer MiyoSmart glasses, MiSight daily lenses, compounded atropine drops and ortho-k, track progression closely at follow-up visits, and adjust the plan if it isn't working as hoped. The goal isn't perfect vision. It's protecting your child's long-term eye health.

FAQ

Myopia control, answered.

At what age should myopia control start?

As soon as myopia is detected and your child's prescription is progressing, which can be as early as age 4 or 5. Younger children often start with glasses or atropine drops, and contact lens options come in once a child is ready to handle them.

Can myopia control stop my child's myopia?

No. These treatments slow progression, they don't stop or reverse it, and studies haven't shown the benefit lasts permanently after treatment ends. Slower progression still means a lower final prescription and less strain on the eye over a lifetime.

Which myopia control option works best?

There's no single winner for every child. Each option has solid evidence behind it, and the best one is the one that fits your child's age, prescription and routine and that they'll use consistently. Some children benefit from combining two treatments.

Is myopia control covered by Alberta Health Care?

Alberta Health Care covers a yearly eye exam for children under 19, but the glasses, lenses and drops used for myopia control generally aren't covered. Some private insurance plans help with part of the cost, and our team can walk you through your options.

More on myopia and kids' vision.

Book Your Visit

Start with a closer look at your child's eyes.

A myopia control plan starts with a comprehensive eye exam. Book online or call, and we'll help you find the option that fits your child.

Book an Eye Exam → Call (587) 441-5254 →

Eye Check Calgary

100 Anderson Rd SE, 2nd Floor
At SpecSavers Southcentre
Calgary, AB T2J 3V1

(587) 441-5254

Mon to Wed10am – 8pm

Thu & Fri10am – 9pm

Saturday10am – 8pm

Sunday11am – 6pm

See Clearly. Feel Confident.

Book your comprehensive eye exam in Calgary with Eye Check Calgary. Whether it’s digital eye strain, dry eyes, diabetes-related vision concerns, or a contact lens fitting, we’ll guide you through every step with care and clarity. Call us today at 587-441-5254.