What age are myopia control contact lenses approved for?

FDA-approved myopia control soft contact lenses are indicated for children aged 8–12 years at initial approval, though clinical use often extends to older children and teenagers under a prescriber's guidance.

How effective are myopia control contact lenses at slowing progression?

In pivotal randomized controlled trials, FDA-approved myopia control soft contact lenses have reduced myopia progression by 52–78% compared to single-vision contact lenses over 2–3 years.

Can children wear myopia control lenses for sports and outdoor activities?

Yes. Daily disposable myopia control contact lenses are worn during waking hours, making them ideal for sports, outdoor activities, and school. They provide full-time clear vision correction.

How much do myopia control contact lenses cost?

Myopia control soft contact lenses typically cost $600–$900 per year for lenses plus fitting fees. Some vision insurance plans partially cover myopia control lenses. Ask your eye care provider about financing options.

Are myopia control contact lenses safe for children?

Yes. FDA-approved myopia control soft contact lenses have strong safety profiles in clinical trials. Daily disposables eliminate lens storage risks. Children as young as 8 can safely wear contact lenses with proper instruction and parental supervision.

Clinically Validated Myopia Control

Myopia-ControllingContact Lenses

Soft contact lenses designed to slow myopia progression in children and teens. Multiple FDA-approved and clinically validated options are available — compare options, understand the science, and find a specialist near you.

Reviewed by Clinical Team

Evidence Level: High

|Editorial Standards

52–78%

Progression Reduction

6–18

Age Range

Options Available

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FDA Approved. Clinically Proven.

Daily disposable convenience

How Myopia-Controlling Contact Lenses Work

Two proven optical mechanisms slow the elongation of the eye that drives myopia progression

Dual-Focus / Concentric Ring Design

Alternating optical zones simultaneously correct central vision and create peripheral myopic defocus — a signal that slows axial elongation of the eye. This is the mechanism used in the first FDA-approved myopia control soft contact lens (2019).

FDA Approved mechanism (2019)

Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF)

A continuous power gradient extends the depth of focus, reducing accommodative lag and peripheral hyperopic defocus. Multiple clinically validated lenses use this mechanism, with studies showing 52–78% axial length reduction.

Multiple clinical studies supporting efficacy

Technology Comparison

All major myopia-controlling soft contact lens and spectacle lens technologies with clinical evidence. Your eye doctor will recommend the best fit based on your child's prescription, age, and lifestyle.

Technology / Product Type	Availability	Mechanism	Age Range	Efficacy	Regulatory Status
Dual-Focus Daily Disposable Daily disposable soft contact lens	Ask your specialist	Dual-focus / concentric ring design	8–18 yrs	~59% progression reduction (3-yr RCT)	FDA Approved
EDOF Daily Disposable Daily disposable soft contact lens	Ask your specialist	Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF)	6+ yrs	~52–78% axial length reduction	FDA Cleared
HAL Spectacle Lens Spectacle lens (HAL technology)	Ask your specialist	Highly Aspherical Lenslet Technology	6–18 yrs	~67% axial length reduction (2-yr RCT)	CE Marked
CARE Spectacle Lens Spectacle lens (CARE technology)	Ask your specialist	Cylindrical Annular Refractive Elements (CARE)	6–18 yrs	~67% axial length reduction (2-yr RCT)	CE Marked

Dual-Focus Daily Disposable

Ask your specialist · Daily disposable soft contact lens

FDA Approved

Mechanism: Dual-focus / concentric ring design

Age Range: 8–18 yrs

Efficacy: ~59% progression reduction (3-yr RCT)

EDOF Daily Disposable

Ask your specialist · Daily disposable soft contact lens

FDA Cleared

Mechanism: Extended Depth of Focus (EDOF)

Age Range: 6+ yrs

Efficacy: ~52–78% axial length reduction

HAL Spectacle Lens

Ask your specialist · Spectacle lens (HAL technology)

CE Marked

Mechanism: Highly Aspherical Lenslet Technology

Age Range: 6–18 yrs

Efficacy: ~67% axial length reduction (2-yr RCT)

CARE Spectacle Lens

Ask your specialist · Spectacle lens (CARE technology)

CE Marked

Mechanism: Cylindrical Annular Refractive Elements (CARE)

Age Range: 6–18 yrs

Efficacy: ~67% axial length reduction (2-yr RCT)

* Efficacy figures are from peer-reviewed clinical studies. Individual results vary. This table is for educational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement of any product. Consult a licensed eye care professional for personalized recommendations.