Childhood Myopia Control: How to Slow Progression and Protect Your Child's Vision

Myopia in children is no longer simply a visual problem corrected with glasses. We now know that childhood myopia progresses — sometimes rapidly — and that the higher it reaches by the end of adolescence, the greater the risk of developing serious eye diseases in adulthood. The good news is that specific treatments exist that slow this progression. The key is starting early.

At Òptica Florit, we have been applying myopia control protocols with children from the Eixample and across Barcelona for several years. In this article we explain what myopic progression is, why it matters to slow it down, and what options are available today.

Why is childhood myopia a growing problem?

Myopia is increasing worldwide at a rate scientists are calling an epidemic. In Europe, nearly 50% of 25-year-olds are already myopic — fifty years ago, the figure was below 20%. In Asia the situation is even more extreme: in some cities in China or South Korea, prevalence exceeds 90% in young adults.

The reasons are mainly environmental: today's children spend far more time indoors and looking at screens, and far less time outdoors. Natural outdoor light has a scientifically proven protective role in the development of the eye. When this exposure is lacking, the eyeball tends to elongate more than necessary — and this is where myopia begins.

The problem is not just that the child sees blurry in the distance. Each dioptre of myopia accumulated increases the risk of serious conditions in adulthood: retinal detachment, glaucoma, macular degeneration. A myopia of -1.00 already doubles this risk compared to an emmetropic eye (without prescription). One of -6.00 multiplies it by more than ten.

What is «myopia control»?

Controlling myopia means slowing the speed at which it progresses, not eliminating it. A child who starts with -1.00 at age seven and receives no specific treatment may end adolescence at -5.00 or -6.00. With a good control protocol, it is possible that they reach 18 with -2.50 or -3.00. That difference represents decades of lower eye risk.

Myopia control tools act on the axial lengthening of the eyeball — the biomechanical cause of myopia progression. It is not magic: these are technologies and treatments with published clinical evidence, backed by the leading international optometry and ophthalmology societies.

From what age and with what level of myopia does control begin?

The general recommendation is to start control when myopia is detected in a child under 12 years old, especially if:

• Myopia already exceeds -0.75 or -1.00 dioptres
• There is a family history of high myopia in the parents (a significant risk factor)
• Progression over the past 12 months has been -0.50 or more
• The child spends very little time outdoors and a lot of time with screens

The earlier myopia is detected and the sooner treatment begins, the more years of progression can be prevented. A treatment starting at age 8 has far greater impact than one starting at 13.

Myopia control options available at Òptica Florit

1. Specially designed contact lenses (MiSight, Stellest, NaturalVue)

These are contact lenses or spectacle lenses with multifocal optics specifically designed to send a «brake» signal to the eye that prevents it from elongating. The most studied are the daily disposable soft lenses MiSight 1 day by CooperVision, which in three-year studies have demonstrated slowing myopia progression by an average of 59%.

Essilor Stellest spectacle lenses are an alternative in conventional frames: a structure of microlenses around the central zone creates peripheral defocus that reduces the eye's growth signal. They are particularly practical for children who prefer not to wear contact lenses.

2. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Orthokeratology involves wearing rigid reverse-geometry lenses overnight while the child sleeps. The lens temporarily reshapes the cornea so that upon waking, the child sees clearly throughout the day without needing glasses or contact lenses.

Beyond daytime comfort, ortho-K has been shown in multiple studies to slow myopia progression by 40 to 60%. It is especially popular with sports-active children or those who participate in water activities. At Òptica Florit we have several years of experience in paediatric ortho-K fitting.

3. Low-concentration atropine eye drops

Atropine 0.01% eye drops (far more diluted than what is used in dilating drops) are applied as one drop per eye each night. Clinical studies (particularly the ATOM2 study from Singapore) demonstrate a reduction in progression of between 50 and 70% with very few side effects at this low concentration. They are prescribed by ophthalmologists, usually in combination with optical methods.

At Òptica Florit we coordinate with specialist ophthalmologists when the protocol includes atropine, ensuring comprehensive follow-up.

4. Environmental habits: outdoor time

The scientific evidence is clear: spending at least 90 minutes outdoors daily significantly reduces the risk of developing myopia and slows its progression in already myopic children. High-intensity natural light stimulates the release of dopamine in the retina, which in turn inhibits eyeball elongation.

It does not need to be intense sport: walking, playing in the park, or simply being outside under natural light is enough. This is the least expensive intervention, with no side effects — and the most underestimated.

How do we know if my child needs myopia control?

The first sign is often that the child cannot see the board clearly at school, holds books very close, or squints to see in the distance. But many children do not put this into words because they do not know that «seeing blurry at a distance» is not normal — they have simply never known anything else.

This is why regular eye examinations are essential. At Òptica Florit we recommend:

During the examination we measure not only the prescription, but also the axial length of the eye — the direct indicator of elongation — to evaluate progression with objective data, not just prescription changes.

Frequently asked questions about childhood myopia control

Is my child too young for control contact lenses?

Control lenses such as MiSight are approved from age 8. The key is not only age, but the child's maturity and responsibility in handling them. In the consultation we evaluate whether they are ready and train both the child and the parents before starting.

Does myopia control cure myopia?

No. Control treatments slow progression but do not eliminate existing myopia or cause the eye to «recover» its shape. The goal is to reach adulthood with the lowest possible level of myopia and, therefore, the lowest long-term risk.

How long does treatment need to continue?

Generally until myopia stabilises, which usually occurs between the ages of 18 and 20. Stopping treatment earlier may cause a rebound in progression.

Is myopia control compatible with regular glasses?

Yes. Conventional glasses correct vision but do not slow progression. This is why control treatments (special contact lenses, ortho-K) are used instead of regular glasses, not in addition to them. In cases with Stellest lenses, the frame functions both as correction and control.

Childhood myopia control at Òptica Florit, Eixample Barcelona

We have been working with myopia control protocols for several years. Our optometry team evaluates each child individually — their current myopia level, rate of progression, lifestyle, activities, and parents' preferences — to recommend the most appropriate method.

We measure axial length at each follow-up appointment so parents can see with concrete data whether the treatment is working. This is not about «trying and waiting»: with today's tools we can intervene effectively and track results.

If your child is myopic or you suspect they might be, book an appointment at any of our Eixample practices — Diputació, Aribau, Manso or Cerdanyola. We will carry out a full assessment and explain which protocol makes the most sense for their specific case.