
Myopia (nearsightedness) is becoming increasingly common among children, and it’s progressing at younger ages than ever before. While glasses can correct blurry distance vision, they don’t slow down the progression of myopia. Left unmanaged, worsening myopia can increase the risk of serious eye health concerns later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
At Central DuPage Vision Center, we offer advanced myopia management options designed not just to correct vision, but to actively slow its progression. Two of the most effective and popular treatments are MiSight® 1 day contact lenses and Orthokeratology (Ortho-K). Understanding the differences between these options can help you choose the right solution for your child.
MiSight® 1 day lenses are FDA-approved soft contact lenses specifically designed to slow the progression of myopia in children. They are worn during the day and discarded nightly, making them a convenient and hygienic option.
MiSight lenses use specialized optics that not only correct distance vision but also create peripheral defocus. This design helps signal the eye to slow down its elongation, which is the underlying cause of worsening myopia.
MiSight is often ideal for children who:
Orthokeratology, commonly known as Ortho-K, uses specially designed rigid gas permeable lenses worn overnight. While your child sleeps, the lenses gently reshape the cornea. In the morning, the lenses are removed, allowing your child to see clearly throughout the day without glasses or contacts.
Ortho-K temporarily reshapes the front surface of the eye to correct refractive error. Like MiSight, it also creates peripheral defocus to help slow eye growth and myopia progression.
Ortho-K may be a great option for children who:
While both options are highly effective in managing myopia, there are important differences to consider:
Wear Schedule
Maintenance
Daytime Vision
Lifestyle Considerations
Both options are safe and effective when prescribed and monitored by an experienced eye care provider.
Choosing between MiSight and Ortho-K depends on several factors, including your child’s age, prescription, lifestyle, maturity level, and comfort with contact lens wear. During a comprehensive myopia management consultation at Central DuPage Vision Center, we evaluate your child’s eye health, measure eye growth, and discuss your family’s goals to create a personalized treatment plan.
Early intervention is key. The sooner myopia management begins, the more effectively we can slow progression and protect your child’s long-term eye health.
Both MiSight and Ortho-K offer advanced, research-backed solutions to manage childhood myopia beyond traditional glasses. While MiSight provides convenience and simplicity with daily disposable lenses, Ortho-K offers the freedom of clear daytime vision without eyewear. The right choice depends on your child’s needs and lifestyle.
If your child’s nearsightedness is progressing or you’re interested in proactive myopia control, schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Central DuPage Vision Center. Visit our office in Winfield, Illinois, or call (630) 349-4948 to book an appointment today.