Find the Right Treatmentfor Your Child
Every child is unique. Compare myopia control options side-by-side to find the best fit for your child's lifestyle, age, and needs.
Select treatments to compare:
At a Glance
Ortho-K
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Best For
Active children who want freedom from daytime eyewear
Soft Contacts
Myopia Contact Lenses
Best For
Children 8-12 who prefer soft contact lenses
Need Help Choosing?
Every child's eyes are unique. Use our clinical assessment tool to get a personalized recommendation based on their age, prescription, and lifestyle.
Detailed Comparison
How to Read These Numbers
Efficacy percentages represent the average reduction in myopia progression (slowing of axial eye elongation) compared to single-vision glasses over 1-3 year clinical trials. Individual results vary based on age of onset, baseline prescription, and treatment compliance.
Key Clinical Evidence
The efficacy data on this page is derived from peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
ATOM2 Study
Ophthalmology • 2012
Low-dose (0.01%) atropine slows myopia with minimal side effects
LAMP Study
JAMA Ophthalmology • 2019
0.05% concentration optimal balance of efficacy vs side effects
Soft Contact Lens 3-Year RCT
Optometry & Vision Science • 2019
59% reduction in myopia progression over 3 years
ROMIO Study
Investigative Ophthalmology • 2012
43% slower axial elongation vs single-vision glasses
DIMS 2-Year RCT
British Journal of Ophthalmology • 2020
52% reduction in myopia progression with DIMS lenses
Pros & Cons
Section Content
Advantages
- No daytime glasses or contacts
- Great for active kids & athletes
- Dual benefit: correction + control
- Fully reversible
- High satisfaction rates
Considerations
- Requires consistent nightly wear
- Higher initial cost
- 1-2 week adjustment period
- Proper lens care required
- Not for all prescriptions
Section Content
Advantages
- FDA-approved for myopia control
- Daily disposables = no cleaning
- Easy for children to handle
- 59% efficacy in clinical trials
- Familiar soft lens comfort
Considerations
- Must wear during waking hours
- Ongoing daily cost
- Age restrictions (8-12 start)
- Requires good compliance
- Not for all prescriptions
Key Sources Behind These Numbers
Every effectiveness claim on this page is backed by peer-reviewed research. Here are the landmark studies.
Longitudinal Orthokeratology Research in Children (LORIC)
Current Eye Research
Ortho-K slowed axial length growth by 46% compared to glasses.
View on PubMedRetardation of Myopia in Orthokeratology (ROMIO)
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
Ortho-K reduced axial elongation by 43% over 2 years.
View on PubMedMiSight 1 day 3-Year Clinical Trial
Optometry and Vision Science
MiSight lenses reduced myopia progression by 59% over 3 years.
View on PubMedWhat About Combination Therapy?
For children with rapidly progressing myopia, eye care professionals sometimes recommend combining treatments.
+Ortho-K + Eye Drops
The most studied combination. Research shows this pairing may provide better control than either treatment alone, especially for fast progressors.
Evidence-supported+Soft Contacts + Eye Drops
Some practitioners combine soft myopia control lenses with prescription eye drops for enhanced effect. Discuss with your specialist.
Emerging evidenceImportant: Combination therapy should only be considered under the guidance of a myopia control specialist. Not all children need or benefit from combined treatments.
Understanding the True Cost
Myopia control is a multi-year commitment. Here's what to expect over a typical 5-year treatment period.
*Costs are estimates and vary by location, provider, and insurance coverage. Prices in USD.
Insurance & Payment Information
Understanding your coverage options can make myopia control more affordable.
Vision Insurance
Many vision plans cover a portion of myopia control treatments. Contact lenses and specialty lenses may have separate allowances.
- VSP, EyeMed often cover contact lens fittings
- Ask about "medically necessary" contact lens coverage
FSA / HSA Eligible
Myopia control treatments are typically eligible for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).
- Use pre-tax dollars for treatment
- Covers exams, lenses, and solutions
Payment Plans
Many practices offer payment plans to spread the cost of treatment over time.
- CareCredit and similar financing options
- Ask about in-house payment plans
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Print this checklist and bring it to your appointment to ensure you cover all the important topics.
What is my child's current prescription and how fast is it changing?
Understanding progression rate helps determine urgency
Based on my child's age and lifestyle, which treatment do you recommend?
Personalized recommendations consider individual factors
What are the realistic expectations for slowing progression?
Sets appropriate expectations for treatment outcomes
How will we monitor if the treatment is working?
Regular monitoring ensures treatment effectiveness
What happens if we need to switch treatments?
Having a backup plan provides peace of mind
Are there any combination approaches that might work better?
Some children benefit from multiple treatments
What is the total cost including follow-up visits?
Understanding full costs helps with planning
How long should my child stay on this treatment?
Treatment duration varies by age and progression
Get Personalized Recommendations
Take our free risk assessment to get treatment recommendations tailored to your child's specific situation.
Need help choosing the right doctor? Learn how to find a myopia specialist.
Find Myopia Control Specialists by City
Connect with certified myopia control specialists offering myopia control treatment in your area.
Advertising Disclosure
Sponsored placements, if active, are clearly labeled and do not influence clinical efficacy data or editorial recommendations. Treatment availability and pricing vary by provider and location.
Educational tool only. This comparison is based on published clinical research averages. Treatment decisions should be made with an eye doctor. Full disclaimer →
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Last reviewed: October 2, 2025