3 Lenses That Slow Myopia Progression in Kids

Regular myopia glasses help kids see far clearly, but some specialized lenses do more—they slow myopia progression, too. Below are 3 such options. Note: These require professional exams and fittings at reputable facilities.

1. Orthokeratology (OK) Lenses

OK lenses are rigid, high-oxygen contact lenses worn overnight. They gently reshape the cornea, letting kids see clearly during the day without lenses. Critically, they slow myopia—studies show 35%-65% effectiveness, making them a top method.

Parents often worry about corneal damage, but OK lenses only reshape the regenerative corneal epithelium; the cornea stays healthy. Effects are reversible: stop wearing, and the cornea returns to normal.

Key: Fitting is a specialized medical procedure. Get them only through a reputable facility after a thorough exam to rule out risks.

2. Defocus Spectacle Lenses

These lenses have a central zone to correct myopia (so kids see clearly) and a microstructured peripheral zone that creates "myopic defocus"—slowing eye growth and myopia progression.

They aren’t for every child. Prior exams (checking for strabismus, binocular issues, etc.) are needed, and lenses require precise manufacturing.

No method stops myopia entirely—kids’ eye axes grow with height, and close-up screen time adds to progression. Defocus lenses just slow it down.

3. Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses

These daily-wear soft contacts have a special peripheral defocus design. They slow myopia and eye axis growth: cutting refractive error by 20-30 degrees yearly and eye axis elongation by 0.1mm yearly—on par with OK lenses, and comfortable.

They work for all ages and corneal shapes (flat or steep), making them great for kids who can’t wear OK lenses (e.g., young children, those with mild ingrown lashes).