MYOPIA CONTROL FOR CHILDREN • HEIDELBERG

Is your child’s short-sightedness getting worse?

If your child’s glasses prescription is becoming stronger each year, there may be more you can do than simply update their glasses.

At Warringal Optometrists in Heidelberg, we offer evidence-based myopia management, with a particular focus on Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) — specially designed contact lenses worn overnight.

Childhood myopia management
Ortho-K Practioners
Personalised treatment

More than stronger glasses

Clear vision today: Correct your child’s short-sightedness so they can see comfortably at school and during everyday activities.

Managing progression: Evidence-based treatments can help slow myopia progression in many children.

Looking ahead: Reducing myopia progression may help lower the degree of short-sightedness reached in adulthood.

Results vary. An individual assessment is essential.

UNDERSTANDING CHILDHOOD MYOPIA

Why is my child’s prescription getting stronger?

Myopia, commonly known as short-sightedness, causes distant objects to appear blurry while nearby objects remain relatively clear.

It commonly develops during childhood. In many children, the eye grows longer than expected, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it.

As the eye continues to grow, the degree of short-sightedness may increase.

Signs to watch for

Squinting, difficulty seeing the classroom board, sitting close to screens or needing stronger glasses may indicate developing or progressing myopia.

Why progression matters

Higher levels of myopia are associated with greater lifetime risks of retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy and other eye conditions.

What can be done?

Myopia management aims to slow progression rather than simply correct blurry vision with increasingly stronger prescriptions.

WHAT THE RESEARCH SHOWS

Why childhood myopia deserves attention

Myopia is an increasing global public health concern. Research also shows that treatments such as Ortho-K can slow eye elongation in appropriately selected children.

~50%

Projected proportion of the global population with myopia by 2050.

Holden et al., 2016 [1]

0.28 mm

Average reduction in axial eye elongation over two years with Ortho-K compared with control groups in a systematic review.

Cochrane Review, 2023 [2]

~0.30 mm

Reported median two-year reduction in axial elongation across Ortho-K studies reviewed by the International Myopia Institute.

IMI, 2025 [3]

These are population-level research findings, not guaranteed results for individual children. The two axial-length statistics are from separate evidence summaries and should not be added together.

OUR FEATURED MYOPIA MANAGEMENT OPTION

Ortho-K: Clear vision by day. Lenses while they sleep.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) uses specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses worn during sleep and removed in the morning.

These lenses temporarily reshape the cornea, allowing many suitable children to see clearly during the day without glasses or contact lenses.

Importantly, Ortho-K can also help slow eye elongation and myopia progression in children.

For active children, this may offer the convenience of clearer daytime vision during school, sport and other activities.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ORTHO-K →

Why families consider Ortho-K

✓ Helps slow myopia progression in many children

✓ Can provide clear daytime vision without glasses

✓ Non-surgical and reversible vision correction

✓ Individually fitted using corneal measurements

✓ Regular monitoring of vision and eye health

Ortho-K requires careful cleaning, safe lens handling, parental involvement and regular reviews. Overnight contact lens wear carries a risk of serious eye infection, including microbial keratitis.

HOW ORTHO-K WORKS

A different approach to childhood short-sightedness

Ortho-K combines temporary daytime vision correction with an evidence-based approach to slowing myopia progression.

Wear lenses overnight

Individually fitted Ortho-K lenses are inserted before bedtime, following the prescribed wearing schedule.

Remove them in the morning

The lenses temporarily reshape the cornea during sleep. They are removed and cleaned as directed after waking.

Enjoy daytime vision

Many suitable children can enjoy clear daytime vision without glasses, while the treatment may also slow myopia progression.

OTHER MYOPIA MANAGEMENT OPTIONS

What if Ortho-K isn’t right for my child?

Although Ortho-K is a key focus of our myopia management services, it is not suitable for every child.

At Warringal Optometrists, we also offer other evidence-based treatment options. The most appropriate choice depends on your child’s eyes, lifestyle, clinical needs and family preferences.

Myopia control spectacle lenses

Specialised spectacle lenses incorporate optical designs intended to slow myopia progression while correcting distance vision.

They may suit families who prefer a non-contact-lens approach.

Myopia control soft contact lenses

Specially designed soft contact lenses can correct short-sightedness while helping slow myopia progression.

Suitable children must be able to manage lens hygiene and safe handling, with appropriate parental support.

Low-dose atropine eye drops

Prescription atropine eye drops may help slow myopia progression in selected children.

Effectiveness and side effects vary with concentration and individual response. Appropriate prescribing and follow-up are essential.

PERSONALISED MYOPIA MANAGEMENT

Understanding your child’s eyes comes first

At Warringal Optometrists in Heidelberg, we assess your child’s vision, prescription history, eye health and individual circumstances before recommending a myopia management plan.

Assess vision and progression

We examine your child’s vision and prescription and review previous changes to understand their myopia progression.

Discuss suitable treatments

We explain Ortho-K and other appropriate options, including their potential benefits, limitations, risks and practical requirements.

Monitor over time

Regular follow-up helps us evaluate your child’s response, monitor eye health and adjust management when necessary.

HEALTHY VISUAL HABITS

What can parents do at home?

Healthy visual habits are important alongside professional myopia management.

Encourage outdoor time

Spending more time outdoors is associated with a lower risk of developing myopia. Around two hours daily is a commonly recommended goal where practical, with appropriate sun protection.

Take breaks from near work

Encourage regular breaks during prolonged reading, studying and screen use. Avoid excessively close viewing distances.

Maintain regular reviews

Children’s prescriptions can change as they grow. Regular eye examinations help detect changes and guide appropriate management.

Lifestyle measures support healthy vision but do not replace clinically indicated myopia treatment.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions parents ask about myopia control

Can myopia be cured?

There is currently no established treatment that permanently reverses the underlying excessive eye growth associated with myopia. Myopia management aims to slow further progression.

At what age should my child start myopia control?

Myopia management can be considered once myopia is identified, depending on age, prescription, progression and individual circumstances. Early assessment can help identify suitable management options.

Is Ortho-K effective for controlling myopia?

Clinical studies show that Ortho-K can slow average axial eye elongation in children compared with conventional correction. However, the response varies and progression may continue despite treatment.

Is Ortho-K safe for children?

Ortho-K is prescribed specifically for overnight wear, but contact lens wear is not risk-free. Serious eye infections can occur. Appropriate fitting, strict hygiene, avoiding water exposure and scheduled reviews are essential.

Is Ortho-K better than myopia control glasses?

Not necessarily. Both can be effective options. The choice depends on the child’s prescription, eye health, lifestyle, treatment evidence, risks and family preferences.

Will my child still need glasses?

This depends on the treatment. Myopia control spectacle lenses correct vision while worn. Ortho-K can reduce the need for daytime glasses in suitable children, although results vary.

How long does myopia management continue?

Treatment commonly continues during the years when myopia is progressing. The duration varies between children, and regular monitoring helps guide treatment decisions.

How much does myopia management cost?

Costs depend on the assessment, selected treatment and follow-up requirements. Our team can explain the recommended approach and applicable fees before treatment begins.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Could overnight lenses help your child?

Ortho-K can help slow childhood myopia progression
while providing clear daytime vision without glasses
for suitable children.

Discover how overnight lenses work, what fitting
involves and whether Ortho-K may be appropriate
for your child.