Interested in Innovative Myopia Control Techniques?

Last Updated: 
July 28, 2025

If you're a parent or caregiver, you may have noticed something concerning: more and more children are being diagnosed with nearsightedness, or myopia, at younger ages.

Note: This post was originally published on merivalevisioncare.com or wellingtonvisioncare.com. Merivale Vision Care is now Vision Care Merivale and Wellington Vision Care is now Vision Care Wellington, part of Vision Care Ottawa.

If you're a parent or caregiver, you may have noticed something concerning: more and more children are being diagnosed with nearsightedness, or myopia, at younger ages. 

It's a growing trend worldwide, and here at Wellington Vision Care, we're taking it seriously. Myopia doesn't just mean glasses or contact lenses

If left unmanaged, it can progress quickly and lead to more serious eye health complications in adulthood, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. 

However, the good news is that advances in eye care now offer more than just corrective lenses. We're excited to share innovative techniques that help slow the progression of myopia, supporting lifelong eye health from childhood and beyond.

Myopia Control Techniques? Defocused Background of Happy mother and daughter walking in shopping mall with colorful bags and joyful expressions on their faces. Blurred Background Photo.

Understanding Myopia: More Than Just Blurry Distance Vision

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This results in blurry vision when looking at distant objects.

Traditionally, myopia has been managed with corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, to improve vision. While these solutions help patients see clearly, they don't address the root cause or slow its progression. 

That's where myopia control techniques come into play, and we can make a lasting difference.

Why Early Intervention Matters

The earlier a child develops myopia, the higher the likelihood that it will worsen over time. And the stronger the prescription becomes, the greater the risk of serious vision problems later in life.

That's why we strongly advocate for early detection and management. At Wellington Vision Care, we provide thorough pediatric eye exams that screen for signs of myopia and assess your child's risk of progression. 

If your child is showing signs of nearsightedness, we'll help you explore the latest science-backed strategies to protect their vision for the long haul.

Our Myopia Control Toolkit

We're proud to offer several advanced techniques for controlling myopia in children and young adults. These treatments go beyond traditional correction and are designed to slow the eyeball elongation, which is the key to reducing long-term risk.

MiSight® 1 Day Contact Lenses

MiSight® 1 day lenses are FDA-approved contact lenses specifically developed for myopia control in children. They work by using concentric treatment zones that redirect light to help signal the eye to slow its growth. 

Studies have shown that MiSight lenses can reduce myopia progression by up to 59% over three years. These daily lenses are comfortable, easy to manage, and especially appealing for active children who may not enjoy wearing glasses.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is a non-surgical, overnight lens therapy. Your child wears custom-designed gas-permeable lenses while they sleep, gently reshaping the cornea overnight so they can see clearly without glasses or contacts during the day.

But beyond convenience, Ortho-K has been shown to significantly slow myopia progression. It's an ideal option for kids involved in sports, swimming, or other activities where glasses may get in the way.

Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops

Atropine, a medicated eye drop traditionally used to dilate the pupil, has been found effective in slowing eye growth when used in low doses over time. Administered once nightly, this treatment is simple and well-tolerated by most children.

It's often used for children who may not be ready for contact lenses or as a complement to other treatments. We carefully monitor each patient's progress and adjust the dosage or strategy as needed.

Specialized Eyeglass Lenses for Myopia Control

Recent innovations in lens technology have led to the development of myopia control glasses, such as Hoya's MiyoSmart and Essilor's Stellest lenses. 

These lenses feature special optical designs that manage the focus of peripheral light, helping to signal the eye to slow down its growth.

These glasses offer a familiar, non-invasive way to address myopia progression, particularly for younger children or those not yet ready for contact lenses.

Myopia Control Techniques? male eye doctor is checking the eye vision of little cute girl in modern clinic.

Personalized Plans for Every Child

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for controlling myopia, so Wellington Vision Care takes a personalized approach. 

After a detailed eye exam and consultation, we recommend a treatment plan tailored to your child's age, lifestyle, eye health, and risk factors.

Myopia management is a partnership between our team, your child, and you as the caregiver. We're here to educate, support, and guide you through each step.

Lifestyle Tips to Support Healthy Vision

In addition to clinical treatment, daily habits can make a big difference in your child's eye health:

  • Encourage regular outdoor play: Studies show that spending at least 90 minutes a day outside can reduce the risk of myopia progression.
  • Limit continuous screen time: Try the 20-20-20 rule, every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away.
  • Promote proper posture and lighting while reading or doing close-up work.
  • Make eye exams part of your child's yearly health check-ups.

These habits and a strong clinical plan help build a well-rounded foundation for lifelong visual wellness.

Partnering With You for a Lifetime of Clear Vision

At Wellington Vision Care, we're not just correcting your child's vision but protecting their future eye health. 

With innovative techniques, compassionate care, and a deep commitment to staying at the forefront of eye care technology, we're proud to offer a new standard in myopia management.

We understand how important it is to give your child every advantage. That's why we've been here for years, providing you with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions about your child's eye health.

Interested in learning more about myopia control? Schedule a consultation with us today. Together, we can take proactive steps to ensure your child sees, comfortably, and confidently in every stage of life.

Your next step is clear

Book an appointment at any of our three Ottawa locations. Your eyes are in good hands.

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Your next step is clear

Whether you need a routine eye exam or specialized care, our team is here for you.

Merivale

2–1547 Merivale Road Ottawa, ON K2G 4V3
(613) 226-8446merivale@visioncareottawa.ca
Merivale
45.354302
-75.734340
2–1547 Merivale Road Ottawa, ON K2G 4V3

Merivale

2–1547 Merivale Road Ottawa, ON K2G 4V3

Wellington

1282-C Wellington St W, Ottawa ON K1Y 3A7
(613) 421-4880wellington@visioncareottawa.ca
Wellington
45.39888
-75.7347488
1282-C Wellington St W, Ottawa ON K1Y 3A7

Wellington

1282-C Wellington St W, Ottawa ON K1Y 3A7

Woodward

1818B Woodward, Ottawa ON K2C 0P7
woodward@visioncareottawa.ca
Woodward
45.368962
-75.751489
1818B Woodward, Ottawa ON K2C 0P7

Woodward

1818B Woodward, Ottawa ON K2C 0P7