In recent years, eye care professionals have observed a steady increase in the number of children diagnosed with myopia, also known as nearsightedness. The condition causes distant objects to appear blurry, and although corrective glasses or contact lenses can help, they do not address the progression of the condition itself.
Myopia control lenses are specially designed to slow the progression of myopia, helping to preserve long-term eye health and reduce the risk of future complications.
Why Is Myopia Control So Important?
While myopia may seem like a small inconvenience at first—especially with the ease of getting glasses or contacts—progressive myopia can lead to more serious eye problems later in life. As the eye grows longer, the risk of conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment increases.
For children whose eyes are still developing, early intervention is key. Myopia control lenses provide a proactive way to slow prescription changes, helping children maintain healthy vision as they grow.
How Myopia Control Lenses Work
To understand how these lenses work, it helps to first know how regular glasses or contacts function:
- Traditional lenses focus light on the central retina for clear vision. However, they often leave peripheral light slightly unfocused, which may encourage the eye to grow longer—worsening myopia.
- Myopia control lenses, by contrast, use special optics to manage peripheral defocus. This discourages further elongation of the eye and helps stabilize the condition.
Myopia Control Options at Southwood Eyecare
At Southwood Eyecare, we focus on two proven, effective treatments available right here in Calgary:
MiYOSMART Glasses
MiYOSMART lenses are specially designed spectacle lenses that use Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (D.I.M.S.) technology. This innovative design manages how light reaches the peripheral retina, slowing eye growth while providing sharp, comfortable vision.
Key benefits of MiYOSMART lenses include:
- Ease of adaptation – Most children adjust to MiYOSMART lenses within a few days, as they look and feel just like regular glasses.
- Non-invasive solution – No need to touch the eyes, making it ideal for younger children or those not ready for contact lenses.
- Proven effectiveness – Backed by extensive clinical studies showing that MiYOSMART can slow myopia progression by an average of 60%.
- Daily comfort – Kids can wear them all day, at school, during activities, and at home, with no disruption to their routine.
Parents often appreciate MiYOSMART because it fits seamlessly into daily life—children simply wear their glasses as they normally would, while benefitting from advanced technology that protects their long-term eye health.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses
Please note: Southwood Eyecare does not currently offer Ortho-K treatment. We’ve included information here so parents can understand all of the options available for managing myopia.
Ortho-K lenses are rigid, gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight. While your child sleeps, these lenses gently reshape the cornea, providing clear vision throughout the day without glasses or daytime contacts.
Although Ortho-K can be effective, there are some downsides to consider:
- Higher cost – Ortho-K lenses and fittings can be more expensive than other myopia control methods.
- Daily upkeep – Lenses require strict nightly wear and careful cleaning, which can be challenging for younger children.
- Adaptation time – Some children take longer to adjust and may notice temporary vision fluctuations.
- Greater follow-up needs – Ortho-K requires more frequent and ongoing check-ins with the optometrist to monitor corneal health, lens fit, and treatment progress.
- Risk of discomfort or infection – As with any contact lens use, improper care can increase the chance of irritation or eye infections.
Because of these factors, Southwood Eyecare has chosen to focus on MiYOSMART spectacle lenses. They provide a non-invasive, lower-maintenance, and clinically proven way to slow myopia progression—requiring only routine eye exams for follow-up in most cases.
Why Early Intervention Matters
The earlier a child begins myopia control, the more effective treatment tends to be. Children’s eyes are still developing and respond better to interventions. Annual eye exams play a critical role in monitoring progression and adjusting therapy as needed.
Without intervention, progressive myopia can lead to:
- Increased risk of eye disease later in life
- Dependency on stronger prescriptions
- Greater challenges in school and activities
By starting myopia control early, children can preserve their vision, stay comfortable in daily tasks, and reduce future risk.
Help Your Child See a Brighter Future
Understanding and addressing myopia is one of the most important ways to protect your child’s long-term vision. At Southwood Eyecare in Calgary, AB, we provide personalized myopia management plans featuring MiYOSMART lenses and Ortho-K therapy.
Book an appointment today to explore the best treatment options and give your child the gift of clearer, healthier vision.
