Myopia Control

Slow the progression of nearsightedness in children — protecting their long-term vision with specialized treatments.

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What Is Myopia Control?

Myopia (nearsightedness) occurs when the eye grows too long, causing distant objects to appear blurry. In children, the eye is still actively growing — and once myopia starts, it tends to get worse year after year until the late teens.

Myopia control describes specific treatments prescribed by an eye care professional to slow this progression. The goal is not to cure myopia (it cannot be reversed) but to limit how much it worsens during the critical growth years.

Why It Matters

Every additional diopter of myopia increases your child's lifetime risk of serious eye conditions:

  • Glaucoma — risk increases 2–3x with moderate myopia
  • Cataracts — earlier onset with higher myopia
  • Retinal detachment — risk increases significantly above −5.00
  • Myopic macular degeneration — the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in people with high myopia

Early intervention gives your child the best chance at long-term eye health. Even slowing progression by 50% can make a meaningful difference over a lifetime.

Myopia control lens — concentric ring design to slow nearsightedness

Treatment Options

Multiple proven approaches — your optometrist will recommend the best fit for your child

Myopia Control Spectacle Lenses

Specially designed spectacle lenses that correct distance vision while incorporating technology to slow axial eye growth. These look and feel like regular glasses — perfect for children who prefer eyeglasses over contacts. Clinical studies show 50–60% slowing of progression.

Best for: Children of all ages, especially those not ready for contacts.

Multifocal Contact Lenses

Soft contact lenses with a dual-focus design that corrects distance vision in the centre while creating peripheral defocus to slow eye elongation. Worn during the day like regular contacts.

Best for: Children 8+ who are comfortable with contact lens handling.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Specially designed rigid contact lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, providing clear daytime vision without glasses or contacts. Also slows myopia progression by changing how light focuses on the peripheral retina.

Best for: Active children and teens in sports who prefer no daytime correction.

Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops

Low-dose atropine drops (0.01–0.05%) can slow myopia progression by 50–60% in clinical trials. A simple once-daily drop that pairs with corrective lenses. Minimal side effects at low doses.

Best for: Children who benefit from combined treatment alongside lenses.

The Myopia Epidemic — Why It's Getting Worse

Myopia rates have doubled worldwide in the past 30 years. In some East Asian countries, over 80% of teenagers are now nearsighted. In Canada, rates are rising steadily too. The main drivers are:

  • More screen time — children spend hours on tablets, phones, and computers for school and entertainment
  • More near work — reading, homework, and close-up activities focus the eyes at short distances for extended periods
  • Less time outdoors — research shows that children who spend at least 2 hours per day outside have significantly lower rates of myopia onset and progression. Natural light exposure appears to have a protective effect.

What Parents Can Do

  • Encourage at least 2 hours of outdoor time daily
  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes of near work, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
  • Keep screens at arm's length, not closer
  • Schedule annual eye tests — free for children under 19
  • Ask about myopia control if your child's prescription is increasing
Myopia control lens diagram — treatment zones for slowing nearsightedness in children

Myopia Control Lenses — 2 Pairs from $499

Two pairs of frames with myopia control lenses. Free eye test with the Essilor R800 included. Direct insurance billing available.

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Adult Myopia Options

Myopia control treatments are designed for growing eyes (children and teens). If you are an adult with myopia, your options include:

All of our eye tests are powered by the Essilor Vision-R 800 — the most accurate refraction instrument in the world — ensuring your myopia prescription is precise down to 0.01 diopters.

Essilor R800 eye test — precision prescription for myopia

Frequently Asked Questions About Myopia Control

What is myopia control?

Myopia control describes specific treatments prescribed by an eye care professional to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. Because the eye is still growing, myopia can be managed before it reaches levels that increase the risk of glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment later in life.

At what age should myopia control start?

The earlier the better — ideally as soon as myopia is diagnosed, typically between ages 6 and 12. Myopia progression usually slows in the late teens, so the goal is to minimize growth during the peak years. Annual children's eye tests (free for under 19) are key to catching it early.

How effective is myopia control?

Clinical studies show that myopia control treatments slow progression by 50 to 60 percent on average. The benefit depends on the method, the child's age, and how quickly their myopia was progressing before treatment. Even a 50% reduction makes a meaningful difference in long-term eye health.

What are the treatment options?

The main options are: myopia control spectacle lenses (look like regular glasses), multifocal soft contact lenses (dual-focus design), orthokeratology or Ortho-K (rigid lenses worn overnight), and low-dose atropine eye drops. Your optometrist will recommend the best option based on your child's age, prescription, and lifestyle.

Why is myopia getting worse in children?

Myopia rates have doubled worldwide in 30 years. The main factors are increased screen time and near work combined with less time outdoors. Research shows that at least 2 hours of outdoor time daily significantly reduces both the onset and progression of myopia in children.

Are myopia control lenses covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans cover myopia control spectacle lenses the same as regular prescription lenses. Coverage varies by plan, so check with your provider. At Fantastic Glasses, we offer direct insurance billing so there is no paperwork. Eye tests are also free for children under 19.

How much do myopia control lenses cost?

At Fantastic Glasses, myopia control lenses are available as 2 pairs from $499. This includes frames and myopia control lenses for both pairs. A free eye test with the Essilor R800 is included with every purchase.

Myopia Control Near You

Fantastic Glasses is located at Unit 401, 235 Milligan Dr, Okotoks, AB — serving families from Calgary, High River, Black Diamond, Turner Valley, De Winton, and surrounding communities. South Calgary communities like Shawnessy, Cranston, and McKenzie Towne are just a 20-minute drive.

If your child's prescription is increasing year over year, book a myopia control consultation. The earlier we start, the better the outcome.

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Fantastic Glasses storefront — myopia control in Okotoks near Calgary

Concerned About Your Child's Vision?

Early intervention is key. Book a myopia control consultation and find out which treatment is right for your child. Call (587) 997-3937 or book online.

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