Ways to slow your child’s short-sightedness
Ordinary glasses and contact lenses help children see clearly, but they don’t stop myopia getting worse. Myopia management treatments are designed to slow it down while your child is still growing. Here’s a simple guide to the four main options offered by opticians in the UK and Ireland.
Myopia control glasses
Special spectacle lenses that correct your child’s vision and are designed to slow myopia progression.
- Worn: all day, like normal glasses
- Good for: younger children and those not ready for contact lenses
- Brands: MiYOSMART (HOYA), Stellest (Essilor), ZEISS MyoCare and Rodenstock MyCon
Daily soft contact lenses
One-day soft lenses worn during the day that correct vision and are designed to slow myopia progression.
- Worn: during the day, a fresh pair each day
- Good for: active children who can manage lenses, often from around age 8
- Brand: MiSight 1 day (CooperVision)
Ortho-K overnight lenses
Custom-fitted rigid lenses worn while your child sleeps. They gently reshape the front of the eye so no glasses or lenses are needed during the day.
- Worn: overnight, removed in the morning
- Good for: sporty children and swimmers who want to be free of glasses
- Needs: careful lens hygiene and closer check-ups at the start
- Brands include: DreamLite (CooperVision)
Low-dose atropine eye drops
A prescription eye drop used once a day at bedtime. It doesn’t correct vision, so it’s used alongside glasses or contact lenses.
- Used: one drop in each eye at night
- Licensed for: children aged 3 to 14 whose myopia is getting worse
- Prescribed by: ophthalmologists and prescribing optometrists
Compare the options
Every child is different. Your optometrist will recommend what suits your child’s age, prescription and lifestyle.
Swipe the table to see all four options →
| 👓 Glasses | 💧 Daily contacts | 🌙 Ortho-K | 💊 Atropine | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Special spectacle lenses | One-day soft lenses | Rigid overnight lenses | Prescription eye drop |
| When it’s used | All day | During the day | Overnight while asleep | One drop at bedtime |
| Corrects vision? | Yes | Yes | Yes, during the day | No, glasses or lenses still needed |
| Typical starting age | Suitable for young children | Often from around 8 | Once lens care can be managed with a parent | Licensed from age 3 |
| Can be combined? | Yes, often with atropine | Yes, often with atropine | Sometimes, with atropine | Yes, with glasses or lenses |
| Check-ups | Regular, usually every 6 months | Regular, usually every 6 months | More often at first, then regular | Usually every 3 to 6 months |
Myopia management is usually paid for privately. Costs vary by clinic and treatment, so ask your optician for a price before you start.
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Answer eight quick questions about age, family history and daily habits, then find a clinic near you that offers these treatments.
Healthy habits that help
These won’t replace treatment, but they support your child’s eyes whatever you choose.
Aim for around 2 hours of daylight a day. School breaks, walks and sport all count.
Every 20 minutes of close-up time, look at something far away for 20 seconds.
Hold books and screens about 30 to 40 cm away, and read in good light.
Regular eye examinations catch changes early. In the UK, children’s eye tests are free on the NHS.
✓ Written and reviewed by GOC-registered optometrists. Last reviewed October 2026.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Only an eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist can tell you which treatment, if any, is right for your child.